1. What is the 12-Hour Shift Pay Calculation?

The 12-hour shift pay calculation in California accounts for regular pay (first 8 hours), overtime pay (hours 9-12 at 1.5x), and double time pay (hours beyond 12 at 2x) as required by California labor laws.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the California overtime formula:

Where:

• \( Rate \) — Hourly wage in USD
• First 8 hours — Paid at regular rate
• Next 4 hours (9-12) — Paid at 1.5x rate
• Hours beyond 12 — Paid at 2x rate

Explanation: California has stricter overtime rules than federal law, requiring overtime pay after 8 hours in a day and double time after 12 hours.

3. California Overtime Rules

Details: California labor code requires 1.5x pay for hours worked beyond 8 in a day or 40 in a week, and 2x pay for hours beyond 12 in a day or 8 on the 7th consecutive workday.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your hourly rate in USD and any hours worked beyond 12. The calculator will compute your total pay including all overtime premiums.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does this apply to all California workers?
A: Most hourly workers are covered, but some exemptions exist for certain professions and salaried employees.

Q2: What about meal breaks?
A: California requires a 30-minute unpaid meal break for shifts over 5 hours, and a second meal break for shifts over 10 hours.

Q3: Are there different rules for healthcare workers?
A: Some healthcare workers can elect alternative workweek schedules with different overtime thresholds.

Q4: How is weekly overtime calculated?
A: Weekly overtime is calculated separately - any hours over 40 in a week are paid at 1.5x, regardless of daily hours.

Q5: What if I work 3 consecutive 12-hour shifts?
A: You would get 24 hours regular pay, 12 hours at 1.5x, plus any weekly overtime if total exceeds 40 hours.