CA payroll guide

California Payroll Laws: Overtime, Final Paycheck & PTO Guide

California is one of the most employee-protective payroll states. Many non-exempt workers must consider daily overtime, weekly overtime, double time, final pay deadlines, and earned vacation treatment.

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Key California payroll rules to check

Daily overtime and weekly overtime can both matter.
Double time may apply after long workdays or on a seventh consecutive workday.
Final check timing depends on whether the worker was discharged or resigned.
Earned vacation payout is usually part of the final wage analysis.

California overtime rules

California commonly requires overtime after more than 8 hours in a workday, more than 40 hours in a workweek, and double time in some long-day or seventh-consecutive-day situations. Exemptions and industry wage orders can change the analysis.

If a California hourly worker earns $24/hour and works 11 hours in one day, a simple estimate starts with 8 regular hours plus 3 overtime hours at 1.5× before considering weekly totals, premiums, or exemptions.

Open the Overtime Pay Calculator →

California final paycheck timing

Employees discharged in California generally must receive final wages immediately. Employees who quit generally must be paid within 72 hours, or on the last day if they gave at least 72 hours of notice.

Tip: Save pay stubs, timecards, commission plans, PTO balances, handbook pages, resignation or termination documents, and any payroll emails before contacting HR or an agency.

California PTO and vacation payout

California generally treats earned vacation as wages. Use-it-or-lose-it vacation forfeiture is risky; employers can often cap accrual prospectively, but earned vacation typically must be paid at separation.

Estimate accrued PTO →

Official California payroll resources

Use PayRulesHub as a worksheet, then verify the current rule with official agencies before making a payroll, legal, or tax decision.

California payroll FAQ

Does California overtime start after 8 hours?

For many non-exempt employees, yes. Daily overtime can apply after more than 8 hours in a workday, plus weekly overtime after more than 40 hours.

Does California require vacation payout?

Earned vacation is generally treated as wages and is commonly payable at separation, subject to the specific facts and policy wording.

Should I use a state-specific calculator?

Yes. California rules are different enough that a generic federal-only overtime estimate can miss daily overtime or double time.