How to Calculate Overtime Pay in California

California Overtime Pay Calculator

Hours Worked Per Day:

Understanding Overtime Pay in California

California has some of the most comprehensive and protective overtime laws in the United States. For employees, understanding these rules is crucial to ensure fair compensation. This calculator helps you estimate your gross weekly pay, including various overtime scenarios, based on California's specific regulations.

Key California Overtime Rules:

1. Daily Overtime (Time-and-a-Half)

In California, non-exempt employees must be paid 1.5 times their regular rate of pay for all hours worked over eight (8) hours in any workday and for the first eight (8) hours worked on the seventh consecutive day of work in a workweek.

• Hours 8-12 in a workday: Paid at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate.

2. Daily Double Overtime (Double Time)

Employees are entitled to double their regular rate of pay for all hours worked over twelve (12) hours in any workday and for all hours worked over eight (8) hours on the seventh consecutive day of work in a workweek.

• Hours over 12 in a workday: Paid at 2 times the regular hourly rate.

3. Weekly Overtime (Time-and-a-Half)

Beyond the daily rules, employees must also be paid 1.5 times their regular rate of pay for all hours worked over forty (40) hours in a workweek. This rule applies to the total hours worked in the week, even if daily overtime has already been calculated. The calculator prioritizes daily overtime first, then applies weekly overtime to any remaining "regular" hours that exceed 40.

• Hours over 40 in a workweek: Paid at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate (after daily overtime has been accounted for).

4. Seventh Consecutive Day of Work

This is a unique California rule. If an employee works seven consecutive days in a single workweek, special overtime rules apply to the seventh day:

• First 8 hours on the 7th consecutive day: Paid at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate.
• Hours over 8 on the 7th consecutive day: Paid at 2 times the regular hourly rate.

Our calculator assumes that if you enter hours for Day 7, it is indeed the seventh consecutive day of work for that workweek.

How to Use the Calculator:

1. Enter your Regular Hourly Rate: This is your standard pay per hour before any overtime.
2. Enter Hours Worked Per Day: Input the number of hours you worked for each of the seven days in the workweek. If you didn't work on a particular day, enter '0'.
3. Click "Calculate Overtime Pay": The calculator will process your inputs based on California's rules.

Example Calculation:

Let's consider an employee with a regular hourly rate of $25.00 who worked the following hours in a week:

• Day 1: 10 hours
• Day 2: 9 hours
• Day 3: 12 hours
• Day 4: 8 hours
• Day 5: 10 hours
• Day 6: 6 hours
• Day 7: 10 hours (7th consecutive day)

Here's how the calculator would break it down:

Daily Overtime Calculation (Days 1-6):

• Day 1 (10 hrs): 8 regular, 2 @ 1.5x OT
• Day 2 (9 hrs): 8 regular, 1 @ 1.5x OT
• Day 3 (12 hrs): 8 regular, 4 @ 1.5x OT
• Day 4 (8 hrs): 8 regular
• Day 5 (10 hrs): 8 regular, 2 @ 1.5x OT
• Day 6 (6 hrs): 6 regular

Subtotals after daily calculation (excluding Day 7):

• Weekly Base Hours (potential regular): 8+8+8+8+8+6 = 46 hours
• 1.5x Overtime Hours: 2+1+4+0+2+0 = 9 hours
• 2x Overtime Hours: 0 hours

Weekly Overtime Adjustment:

• The "Weekly Base Hours" (46) exceed 40. So, 46 – 40 = 6 hours are converted from regular to 1.5x overtime.
• New Regular Hours: 40 hours
• New 1.5x Overtime Hours: 9 (from daily) + 6 (from weekly adjustment) = 15 hours

Seventh Consecutive Day Calculation (Day 7 – 10 hours):

• First 8 hours on Day 7: 8 hours @ 1.5x OT
• Hours over 8 on Day 7: 2 hours @ 2x OT

Final Totals:

• Total Regular Hours: 40 hours
• Total 1.5x Overtime Hours: 15 (from daily/weekly) + 8 (from Day 7) = 23 hours
• Total 2x Overtime Hours: 0 (from daily) + 2 (from Day 7) = 2 hours

Gross Pay Calculation:

• Regular Pay: 40 hours * $25.00/hour = $1,000.00
• 1.5x Overtime Pay: 23 hours * ($25.00 * 1.5) = 23 hours * $37.50/hour = $862.50
• 2x Overtime Pay: 2 hours * ($25.00 * 2) = 2 hours * $50.00/hour = $100.00

Total Gross Pay: $1,000.00 + $862.50 + $100.00 = $1,962.50

This calculator provides a helpful estimate for your gross pay. Remember that this does not account for deductions like taxes, insurance, or other withholdings. Always consult with your employer or a payroll professional for exact figures.