CSLB Law & Business ExamEmployment RequirementsEasy
An employee works 9 hours in a single workday with no other overtime triggers that day. Under California wage and hour law, how must the 9th hour be compensated?
- AAt the employee's regular hourly rate
- BAt 2 times the regular rate of pay
- CIt is unpaid because it is voluntary overtime
- DAt 1.5 times the regular rate of pay
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. At 1.5 times the regular rate of pay
California requires overtime pay of 1.5 times the regular rate for hours worked beyond 8 in a workday (up to 12 hours), so the 9th hour must be paid at time and a half.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Straight-time pay applies only up to 8 hours in a day.
- B. Double time applies only after 12 hours in a day, not the 9th hour.
- C. Overtime must always be paid regardless of whether it was requested.
Daily Overtime Rule
California requires 1.5x pay for hours worked beyond 8 in a day (up to 12) and beyond 40 in a week.
- Double time applies after 12 hours in a day
- 7th consecutive workday also triggers overtime
- California overtime rules are stricter than federal law
Memory trick: Eight is great, past that comes the rate.