Daily Overtime Calculator
California pays overtime by the day, not just the week — time-and-a-half after 8 hours, double time after 12.
California requires overtime after 8 hours in a single day (time-and-a-half) and double time after 12 hours in a day — on top of the standard weekly overtime after 40 hours. Enter your hourly rate and hours worked in a day to see your pay breakdown.
Enter your regular hourly rate and the hours worked in a single day.
Daily Overtime Calculator
Total Pay for This Day
Regular Hours
1.5x Hours
2x Hours
How this is calculated
On a normal day, the first 8 hours pay at your regular rate, hours 8-12 pay at 1.5x, and anything past 12 hours pays at 2x.
If you flagged this as your 7th consecutive day in the same workweek, the calculation changes: the first 8 hours pay at 1.5x (not straight time) and anything past 8 hours pays at 2x, since state law treats a 7th consecutive workday as inherently overtime-eligible from the start.
This calculator handles a single day in isolation — it doesn't track your running weekly total, so remember that weekly overtime (after 40 hours across the week) can also apply on top of daily overtime; you're owed whichever calculation (daily or weekly) gives you more for a given hour, not both stacked on the same hour.
This tool assumes a standard schedule, not a legally adopted alternative workweek arrangement, which can shift these thresholds.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I earn overtime in California?
Unlike federal law, California requires daily overtime: time-and-a-half after 8 hours worked in a single day, and double time after 12 hours in a single day, regardless of your total for the week. Weekly overtime (time-and-a-half after 40 hours) applies too.
What happens on my 7th consecutive day of work in a workweek?
Working a 7th consecutive day in the same workweek triggers time-and-a-half for the first 8 hours and double time after 8 hours on that day, even if it's a normal 8-hour shift.
Does this apply to salaried employees?
Only non-exempt employees (whether paid hourly or salary) are entitled to daily overtime. Exempt employees who satisfy both the salary threshold and the duties test are not owed overtime under California law.
Can an employer avoid daily overtime with an alternative workweek schedule?
Yes, in limited circumstances. A properly adopted alternative workweek schedule (like four 10-hour days) approved by a 2/3 employee vote can shift the daily overtime trigger, but strict procedural rules apply — this calculator assumes the standard 8/40 schedule, not an alternative workweek.
Is double time really required in California?
Yes. California is one of the few states requiring double time (2x regular rate) after 12 hours worked in a single day, on top of the more common time-and-a-half overtime rate.
This tool provides an educational estimate only and is not legal advice. Alternative workweek schedules, exempt status, and multi-day weekly overtime interactions can change the correct calculation — consult an employment attorney or the DIR for your exact situation.