California’s wage laws provide fairness and worker protection. California labor law requires overtime pay for workers who work more than 40 hours each week. Understanding California’s federal wage laws over time, especially how federal and state rules interact, is difficult. This comprehensive guide covers federal wage laws, overtime wage restrictions, California’s overtime legislation, and how to get paid properly for overtime.
Understanding Federal Wage Laws Overtime
FLSA defines most federal overtime legislation. US workers’ minimum wage, overtime, and child labor protections are set by the FLSA. FLSA overtime pay is covered, and non-exempt workers are paid 1.5 times their regular hourly wage for work hours worked beyond 40 per week. The FLSA is a starting point, but California has tougher labor laws to protect workers. Unless exempt, most workers are entitled to overtime under the FLSA. Salaried executives, administrative, and professional staff, or those in specialized jobs, are frequently exempt. Workweeks are 168 hours (7 days) under the FLSA. Employee workdays are not specified. Weekly overtime pay is established regardless of the work schedule.
California Overtime Laws: Better Worker Protection
California’s wage laws protect workers better than federal ones. Numerous California laws extend overtime eligibility criteria and calculations beyond federal law. Overtime is required in California for hours worked over 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week. Even if you worked 38 hours a week, you should receive compensation for one hour of overtime if you worked 9 hours. Working more than 12 hours a day earns double time, or double their regular pay. Overtime salary is only 1.5 hours under federal law, unlike California law.
Employees who work more than six days a week in California can obtain overtime on the seventh day. This applies regardless of the first hours. The majority of California workers are non-exempt from overtime and entitled to overtime benefits. Most non-exempt employees are hourly workers, not executives, administrators, or professionals.
Salaried managerial, executive, administrative, and professional workers who meet minimum wage and job function standards are exempt under federal wage laws from overtime. No overtime wages are paid to exempt workers, regardless of hours.
Differences between Federal and California overtime laws
While both federal and California laws address overtime pay, California’s laws are more favorable to workers. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:
| Feature | Federal (Fair Labor Standards Act) Law | California Overtime Law |
| Daily Overtime | Overtime is only required after 40 hours per week. | Overtime is required after 8 hours in a workday. |
| Double Time | Not required by federal law. | Double time after 12 hours in a workday and for the 7th consecutive day worked. |
| Exemptions | Exemptions for executive, administrative, and professional non-exempt employees based on salary and duties. | More stringent exemption requirements, including a higher salary threshold and more detailed job duty tests. |
| Workweek Definition | Defined as a 168-hour period. | Defined as a workweek, but specific daily and consecutive-day rules apply. |
According to the table, California is one of the most worker-friendly states for overtime compensation, granting daily overtime and double time after long hours.
How do California and Federal Wage Laws Interact?
California’s overtime laws trump federal ones when they benefit workers. State overtime rules are more generous than federal law, thus California employers must comply. California law requires overtime pay for hours worked above 8 per day, but federal law only requires it for hours worked over 40 per week. Even if they work more than 40 hours a week, 9th-hour workers must be paid 1.5 times their regular pay. Companies must obey employee-beneficial federal and state laws. California hourly workers are best protected by overtime laws.
Conclusion
California workers must comprehend federal and state employment laws. Unlike federal law, California’s federal wage laws and overtime rules ensure workers are compensated fairly for hours worked beyond the 8-hour day or 40-hour workweek.
Knowing your rights and making sure your employer follows them will help you avoid minimum wage theft and get paid properly. See a federal wage laws overtime lawyer or file a complaint if you suspect your employer violated overtime laws. Knowledge is power, and California overtime law benefits you.
If you work in California and are confused about overtime compensation or worried you’re not getting enough, contact an experienced employment lawyer who is well aware of federal wage laws over time to learn your rights and protect your earnings. At Mercer Legal Group, we represent the best attorneys who have handled various federal wage laws and overtime rules. Get in touch with us today at (818) 538-3458!
