The short answer
How does overtime work in California?
In California, non-exempt employees earn 1.5× after 8 hours in a day or after 40 regular hours in a week, and 2× after 12 hours in a day. On the seventh consecutive day of a workweek, the first 8 hours are paid at 1.5× and anything beyond 8 at 2×.
California overtime rules at a glance
| Situation | Rate |
|---|---|
| Over 8 hours in a workday | 1.5× (time and a half) |
| Over 12 hours in a workday | 2× (double time) |
| Over 40 regular hours in a workweek | 1.5× |
| 7th consecutive day in the workweek, first 8 hours | 1.5× |
| 7th consecutive day in the workweek, over 8 hours | 2× |
A workday is any 24-hour period starting at the same time each day, and a workweek is a fixed 7-day period. Hours already paid as daily overtime aren't counted again toward the weekly 40, so overtime isn't paid twice on the same hour.
Worked examples at $25 an hour
Four 12-hour shifts
48 hours. Each day has 8 regular and 4 overtime hours: 32 regular and 16 overtime in total, paying $1,400.00. Federal weekly rules alone would pay $1,300.00 (40 regular plus 8 overtime), so California daily overtime is worth $100.00 more.
Seven days in a row
8 hours Monday to Saturday plus 10 hours Sunday. Monday to Friday is 40 regular hours, so Saturday's 8 hours become weekly overtime. Sunday is the 7th day: 8 hours at 1.5× and 2 at 2×. Total: 40 regular, 16 overtime, 2 double time = $1,700.00.
One 14-hour day
8 regular hours, 4 hours at 1.5× and 2 hours at 2×: $450.00 for the day.
Who doesn't get California overtime
Exempt executive, administrative and professional employees generally must be paid a salary of at least twice the state minimum wage for full-time work and mainly do exempt duties. Some jobs follow special rules, including agricultural workers, certain truck drivers and employees on a valid alternative workweek schedule. Check the Labor Commissioner's guidance if your job may be one of these.
Does the "no tax on overtime" deduction apply?
Starting with 2025 tax returns, workers can deduct qualified overtime pay on their federal income tax return, up to $12,500 a year ($25,000 for married couples filing jointly). The deduction phases out above $150,000 of modified adjusted gross income ($300,000 joint). Only the extra part of overtime pay, the "half" in time-and-a-half, counts, and only for overtime the federal Fair Labor Standards Act requires: hours over 40 in a workweek. California's daily overtime goes beyond the federal rule, so the extra pay it adds generally isn't covered. Social Security and Medicare are still withheld from overtime pay. The calculator above estimates the federal premium for your week.
Assumptions and sources
Results are gross pay estimates for non-exempt employees paid by the hour. Special industry rules, local ordinances, union contracts and exemptions can change the result. Rules summarized from the California Labor Commissioner (DLSE) overtime worksheet and the IRS. ToolPinch isn't a law firm; check with your state labor department or an employment lawyer about your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Does California have daily overtime?
Yes. Non-exempt employees earn 1.5x after 8 hours in a workday and 2x after 12 hours, in addition to weekly overtime after 40 regular hours.
What is the seventh-day rule in California?
If you work all seven days of a workweek, the first 8 hours on the seventh day are paid at 1.5x and any hours beyond 8 that day at 2x.
Can daily and weekly overtime both apply to the same hour?
No. Hours already paid as daily overtime don't count toward the 40 regular hours that trigger weekly overtime, so the same hour isn't paid twice.
Is overtime after 12 hours always double time in California?
For most non-exempt employees, yes. Some industries and alternative workweek schedules have different rules.
Does California overtime qualify for the no tax on overtime deduction?
Only the federally required part does: the half-time premium for hours over 40 in a workweek. Extra pay from California's daily overtime generally doesn't qualify.
Is this calculator free?
Yes. It runs in your browser, needs no signup and doesn't store your hours or pay.