California Overtime Rules & Regulations
California Labor Code § 510 mandates overtime (1.5x) for hours worked over 8 in a workday, over 40 in a workweek, and the first 8 hours on the 7th consecutive day of work in a single workweek. Double time (2.0x) applies to hours worked beyond 12 in a single day, and hours beyond 8 on the 7th consecutive day.
Worked Example Calculation
Worked Example: 5 shifts of 10.0 hours (50.0 total hours) at $20.00/hr base rate:
Key Wage & Employment Rules in California
State Minimum Wage
Statewide minimum wage rates adjust annually on scheduled dates based on statutory inflation formulas under California Labor Code § 1182.12. Refer to the California Department of Industrial Relations for current general, fast food, and healthcare rates. Tip credits toward minimum wage are prohibited under Labor Code § 351.
Pay Frequency Mandates
Labor Code § 204 mandates wages be paid at least twice per month on designated paydays: earnings from the 1st–15th due by the 26th; earnings from the 16th–end due by the 10th of the following month.
Final Paycheck Timing
Labor Code § 201–202 requires discharged employees be paid immediately upon termination. Resigning employees who provide 72 hours notice are paid on their last day; without notice, within 72 hours. Accrued vacation/PTO must be paid out.
Meal & Rest Breaks
Labor Code § 512 mandates a 30-minute unpaid meal break for shifts over 5 hours and a second break for shifts over 10 hours. Paid 10-minute rest breaks are required for every 4 hours worked. Missed break penalty is 1 hour regular pay per day per type.
State Income Tax Status
California levies a state personal income tax administered by the Franchise Tax Board (FTB), plus State Disability Insurance (SDI) payroll contributions administered by the Employment Development Department (EDD).