California Overtime: Worked Examples

These examples follow the California DIR Overtime FAQ: 1.5× over 8 hours in a day (up to 12) and over 40 in a week, 2× over 12 in a day, and on the seventh consecutive day of work in a workweek 1.5× for the first 8 hours and 2× after that. All examples assume a $20.00/hour non-exempt employee with no alternative workweek schedule.

1. Four 10-hour days (40 hours)

Each day: 8 regular + 2 overtime. Week: 32 regular + 8 overtime. Pay: 32 × $20 + 8 × $30 = $880.00. Under federal rules alone this week would have no overtime ($800.00).

2. One 13-hour day

8 regular + 4 overtime (hours 9–12) + 1 double time (hour 13). Pay: 8 × $20 + 4 × $30 + 1 × $40 = $320.00.

3. Six 8-hour days (48 hours)

No day is over 8, but the week is over 40: 40 regular + 8 overtime. Pay: $800 + $240 = $1,040.00.

4. Seven days: six 6-hour days, then 9 hours on day seven

Days 1–6: 36 regular hours. Day 7 is the seventh consecutive day: first 8 hours at 1.5×, the 9th hour at 2×. Week: 36 regular + 8 overtime + 1 double time. Pay: 36 × $20 + 8 × $30 + 1 × $40 = $1,000.00.

Avoiding double counting

Hours already paid as daily overtime are not counted again toward the 40-hour weekly total. The California overtime calculator handles this for you.

Last reviewed November 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.