Guides to your rights at work in California
Plain-language guides for employees in California, grouped by area. Each guide answers one question and cites the law it comes from.
Pay and hours
Guides about what you're paid and the hours you work as an employee in California.
- California overtime pay laws: when do I get overtime?California's overtime rules: time and a half after 8 hours a day or 40 a week, double time after 12, the seventh-day rule, and who is exempt.
- Meal and rest break laws in CaliforniaWhen California law requires a 30-minute meal break and 10-minute rest breaks, when a meal break can be waived, and the extra hour of pay for a missed break.
- When is my final paycheck due in California?California's deadlines for your last paycheck if you are fired, laid off or quit, what it must include, and the penalty when it is late.
- California minimum wage by city in 2026The minimum wage in Berkeley, Los Angeles, Oakland, San Diego, San Francisco and San Jose, each beside California's rate, with a check of your pay.
Leave
Guides about taking time off work in California, when you are sick or a family member dies.
- California bereavement leave: how many days do I get?California's bereavement leave law: up to five days when a family member dies, who qualifies, whether it is paid, and the three-month window to use it.
- Sick leave in California: how much do I get?California's paid sick leave law: who qualifies, how sick time builds up, the 40-hour or 5-day yearly limit, and the reasons you can use it.
Losing your job
Guides about being fired, laid off or quitting a job in California.