Wage and hour rules for employees in California — overtime, minimum wage, meal and rest breaks and the final paycheck — compared with federal law, with links to the official sources.
California minimum wage
$16.90 per hour as of July 1, 2026 (federal: $7.25).
Federal law The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour.
California overtime
Daily overtime: 1.5× after 8 hours and 2× after 12 hours in a workday. Seventh consecutive day worked in a workweek: 1.5× for the first 8 hours and 2× after 8 hours. Weekly: 1.5× after 40 hours. How a flat-sum bonus enters the regular rate is still being verified.
Federal law Overtime at 1.5× the regular rate after 40 hours in a fixed 7-day workweek. No daily overtime.
California meal breaks
A 30-minute meal period when an employee works more than 5 hours in a day (can be waived by mutual consent if the workday is no more than 6 hours), and a second 30-minute meal period after 10 hours (can be waived if the day is no more than 12 hours and the first meal period was not waived). A missed meal period owes one additional hour of pay at the regular rate.
Federal law Federal law does not require meal breaks. A bona fide meal period (usually 30 minutes or more) when the employee is completely relieved from duty does not have to be paid.
California rest breaks
A paid 10-minute rest period for every 4 hours worked or major fraction thereof; not required when total daily work time is less than 3½ hours. A missed rest period owes one additional hour of pay at the regular rate.
Federal law Federal law does not require rest breaks. Short breaks (usually 5 to 20 minutes), when offered, count as hours worked and must be paid.
California final paycheck
Fired or laid off: all final wages are due immediately. Quit without notice: within 72 hours. Quit with at least 72 hours’ notice: on the last day of work.
Federal law Federal law does not require immediate payment of final wages; they are due by the next regular payday.
State labor department: California Labor Commissioner’s Office (DLSE). Data last reviewed September 28, 2026.