California Wage and Hour Laws

Wage and Hour Basics

The California Labor Code provides stronger protections than federal law. Employers must comply with whichever law is more favorable to employees.

Minimum Wage

California's minimum wage is higher than the federal minimum wage and increases periodically. Some cities (like Los Angeles and San Francisco) have even higher local minimum wages.

Overtime

Non-exempt employees must receive: 1.5x regular pay for hours over 8 in a day or 40 in a week, 2x regular pay for hours over 12 in a day, 1.5x for first 8 hours on the 7th consecutive workday, 2x for hours over 8 on the 7th consecutive workday.

Meal and Rest Breaks

• Meal breaks: 30 minutes for shifts over 5 hours (second meal break for shifts over 10 hours)
• Rest breaks: 10 minutes per 4 hours worked
• Employers must pay one hour of extra pay for each missed break

Misclassification

Some employers improperly classify employees as "exempt" (salaried, no overtime) or as independent contractors. If you're misclassified, you may be owed overtime, meal/rest break premiums, and other compensation.