In many states, you don’t receive overtime pay unless you exceed 40 hours in a workweek, which is considered a standard full-time schedule. If an employee works 42 hours in a week, for example, they are entitled to overtime pay for just two of those hours, while the rest of their hours are paid at their standard rate.
In California, however, things work differently. It’s important for workers to understand this, especially if they have recently moved from another state. They may be entitled to far more overtime pay than they expect, and the law applies differently than in other parts of the country.
Working more than eight hours
In California, employees typically earn overtime if they work more than eight hours in a single day. This is different from the standard weekly calculation used in most states.
For example, even if an employee only works one day per week, but that shift lasts 10 hours, they are entitled to two hours of overtime pay for that day.
Additionally, employees are still entitled to overtime pay if they exceed 40 hours in a week. However, overtime can also be calculated on a daily basis, meaning employees can receive overtime pay even if they never reach a total of 40 hours in a given workweek.
Working more than 12 hours
California also has a double-time rule for employees who work more than 12 hours in a single day. This means they are paid twice their standard rate, rather than the 1.5 times overtime rate typically used.
For example, a worker who puts in a double shift, working 16 hours straight, may be eligible for significant compensation due to double-time pay.
Know your rights
If you encounter wage and hour issues, such as not being properly paid for overtime, be sure to understand what legal steps you can take to protect your rights.