Public tool file
CA Regular Rate of Pay Calculator
Regular rate of pay is the average of included compensation for the workweek, not just the base wage. Add bonuses and other pay types, then compute OT, DT, and break premiums from the correct rate.
PAGA Lens
Find the gaps a PAGA claim would start from
Answer questions about how you pay and track your California employees. You get a report that shows where your pay practices, your records and your reasonable-steps file have gaps, in the same categories a payroll audit tests.
How it works
- 1 Answer the questions
We ask how you pay, track time and document your steps.
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Informational only. Estimates depend on your inputs and cited case frameworks; they are not legal advice for a specific payroll.
Hours & pay components
Regular rate of pay is not the same as the base hourly wage. Under California law, it is the average of almost all non-excludable compensation earned in the workweek, divided by total hours worked.
Overtime (1.5×), double-time (2.0×), and meal/rest premiums must be paid from this rate, not the sticker wage alone. Non-discretionary bonuses, shift differentials, and similar pay usually raise the regular rate. Flat-sum bonuses follow a different OT premium rule (Alvarado v. Dart).
Rate & premium report
Enter hours and pay components to compute the California regular rate, OT/DT rates, and break premiums. The regular rate is total included pay ÷ total hours worked.
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Clarifications
Common questions
What is regular rate of pay?
It is the average hourly rate used to calculate overtime, double-time, and meal/rest premiums in California. Formula: total non-excludable compensation for the workweek ÷ total hours worked. It is usually higher than the base hourly wage when bonuses or other pay are included.
What pay belongs in the regular rate?
Non-discretionary bonuses, commissions, shift differentials, and most allowances that function as wages. Production bonuses are divided by all hours worked (Marin v. Costco). Flat-sum bonuses still raise the rate, but their OT premium uses straight-time hours only (Alvarado v. Dart).
What pay is usually excluded?
Truly discretionary bonuses, bona fide expense reimbursements, gifts, and the overtime premium itself. When in doubt, add the amount as an other pay type and confirm with counsel or your payroll advisor.
Why does the regular rate matter for PAGA?
Paying OT or break premiums from the base wage instead of the regular rate underpays employees. That shortfall can become wage claims and PAGA exposure across the workforce.
When one answer is not enough
See the whole compliance picture.
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