Most employees are no strangers to working extra hours to get the job done. However, many employees do not fully understand their rights regarding overtime pay. Misconceptions about overtime pay can lead to lost wages and frustration.
Below, we clear up four common myths about overtime pay in the Golden State.
Myth 1: Salaried employees don’t get overtime
Many people believe that earning a salary automatically disqualifies them from overtime pay. In California, your overtime eligibility depends on your job duties rather than your pay structure. Even if you receive a salary, you might qualify for overtime as long as you’re a nonexempt employee.
Myth 2: Overtime only applies after 40 hours a week
While federal law sets the overtime threshold at 40 hours per week, California goes further. Here, you earn overtime for:
- Any hours worked beyond eight in a day
- The first eight hours on your seventh workday in a row
- Any hours beyond 40 in a workweek
In short, you could earn overtime even if you have yet to hit 40 hours in a week. California’s daily overtime rule protects workers from excessively long shifts.
Myth 3: Working from home means no overtime pay
Your location doesn’t affect your right to overtime pay in California. If you are a nonexempt employee and put in over eight hours in a day or 40 hours in a week, your employer should compensate you for those extra hours – regardless of whether you work remotely or in the office.
Myth 4: Overtime pay is always 1.5 times your rate
In California, overtime is generally 1.5 times your regular rate for hours worked beyond eight hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. However, you can earn double your regular rate for hours worked beyond 12 a day. You can also earn double time for the seventh consecutive workday in a week.
Know the full extent of your overtime rights
Understanding overtime laws empowers you to advocate for fair compensation. If you’re unsure about your overtime rights or believe your employer owes you unpaid wages, feel free to consult a legal professional. Seeking legal advice doesn’t mean you’re starting a fight – it means you’re standing up for what you’ve rightfully earned.