California has some of the strongest worker protections in the United States. This guide covers the essential wage and hour requirements every California employer must know.
Minimum Wage
2025-2026 Minimum Wage Rates
| Jurisdiction | Rate | Effective |
|---|---|---|
| California (Statewide) | $16.50/hour | Jan 1, 2025 |
| Fast Food Workers | $20.00/hour | Apr 1, 2024 |
| Healthcare Workers (some) | $18-$23/hour | Varies |
| Los Angeles City | $17.28/hour | Jul 1, 2025 |
| San Francisco | $18.67/hour | Jul 1, 2024 |
Note: Check local ordinances - many cities have higher rates.
Overtime
California Overtime Rules
- Daily Overtime: 1.5x pay after 8 hours in a workday
- Double Time: 2x pay after 12 hours in a workday
- Weekly Overtime: 1.5x pay after 40 hours in a workweek
- 7th Day: 1.5x for first 8 hours; 2x after 8 hours
Key Difference: Unlike federal law (which only requires overtime after 40 hours/week), California requires daily overtime after 8 hours regardless of weekly total.
Meal Breaks
| Hours Worked | Meal Break Required |
|---|---|
| 5+ hours | 30 minutes (unpaid, duty-free) |
| 10+ hours | Second 30-minute break |
Meal Break Rules
- Must be provided no later than end of 5th hour
- Employee must be relieved of all duties
- Employee must be free to leave premises
- Penalty: 1 hour of pay for each missed/late meal break
Rest Breaks
- 10 minutes for every 4 hours worked (or major fraction)
- Must be paid time
- Should be in middle of work period when practicable
- Penalty: 1 hour of pay for each missed rest break
Pay Periods & Payday
- Wages earned between 1st-15th: Due by 26th
- Wages earned between 16th-end: Due by 10th of next month
- Overtime: May be paid on next regular payday
- Final pay (termination): Immediately if fired; within 72 hours if quit
Itemized Wage Statements
Each pay stub must include:
- Gross wages earned
- Total hours worked (non-exempt)
- All deductions
- Net wages earned
- Pay period dates
- Employee name and last 4 of SSN
- Employer name and address
- All hourly rates and hours at each rate
Common Violations
- Not paying daily overtime
- Auto-deducting meal breaks when employee worked through
- Not providing rest breaks
- Rounding time in employer's favor
- Not paying for all hours worked (off-the-clock work)
- Incomplete wage statements
- Late final paychecks