Caregiver California Minimum Wage, Overtime Pay, Double Time Pay
As of 2024, caregivers in California are entitled to minimum wage of $16 per hour, $24 per hour overtime up to 12 hours, and $32 per hour over 12 hours. However, many cities in California have set higher minimum wage rates; for instance, Los Angeles has a minimum wage of $17.28 per hour, San Francisco at $18.27 per hour, and San Jose at $17 per hour.
By: Brad Nakase, Attorney
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As of January 2024, most 24-hour caregivers in California must be paid a minimum wage of $512 per day. The first nine hours of work can be compensated at the state minimum wage of $16 per hour, totaling $144. A domestic caregiver is also entitled to overtime pay and all other employment rights under California law.
In this article, our lawyer for caregivers and employers discusses the following:
Caregiver Minimum Wage 2024
- Minimum wage for caregivers in California 2024: The minimum wage for caregivers in California in 2024 is set at $16.00 per hour. For example, if a caregiver works an 8-hour shift in Los Angeles, where the minimum wage is higher, they may earn $17.28 per hour instead.
- Caregiver minimum wage 2024: As of 2024, the caregiver minimum wage in California is $16.00 per hour. For instance, a caregiver working in San Francisco, where the minimum wage is $18.27 per hour, would earn that higher rate instead of the state minimum.
Caregiver Pay in California
- California caregiver pay: California caregiver pay varies depending on factors such as location, experience, and the type of care provided. For example, a caregiver in San Diego might earn $16.00 per hour, while a more experienced caregiver in San Jose might make $17.00 per hour.
- Caregiver pay in California: Caregiver pay in California ranges from the state minimum of $16.00 per hour to higher amounts in areas with increased local minimum wages. For example, a caregiver in Berkeley could earn $18.07 per hour due to the local minimum wage laws.
- Private caregiver pay rate in California: The private caregiver pay rate in California typically starts at $16.00 per hour but can be significantly higher depending on the location and the level of care required. For instance, a private caregiver in Beverly Hills might charge $20.00 per hour for specialized care.
- How much do private caregivers make per hour: Private caregivers in California generally make at least $16.00 per hour, with rates potentially increasing based on the city or county and the complexity of care provided. For example, a private caregiver providing medical care in San Francisco might earn $25.00 per hour.
- How much do caregivers get paid per hour: Caregivers in California are paid a minimum of $16.00 per hour as of 2024, but this amount can be higher depending on the local minimum wage and other factors. For instance, in Pasadena, caregivers might earn $17.50 per hour.
Caregiver Overtime Pay 2024
In California, when a caregiver works more than 8 hours and up to 12 hours in a day, the overtime pay is 1.5 times the regular hourly rate. Caregivers who work more than 9 hours in a day or over 45 hours in a week must also be paid overtime wages at 1.5 times their regular hourly rate. Furthermore, caregivers must be paid 1.5 times their regular rate if they work on the 6th and/or 7th consecutive day. For example, if a caregiver in San Diego earns $16.00 per hour, their overtime rate would be $24.00 per hour.
Caregiver Double Time Pay 2024
When a caregiver works more than 12 hours in a day, they are entitled to double time, which is twice their regular rate of pay. Caregivers in California must also be paid double-time for hours over 9 when working on the 6th and 7th consecutive days. This includes double the caregiver’s regular rate of pay for all hours worked in excess of 12 hours in any workday and for all hours worked in excess of 8 hours on the seventh consecutive day of work in a workweek. For example, if a caregiver in Oakland earns $16.00 per hour, their double-time rate would be $32.00 per hour.
Live-In and 24-Hour Caregiver Pay
- Live-in caregiver pay per day: Live-in caregivers in California must be paid at least $512 per day as of 2024, based on a minimum wage of $16.00 per hour for the first 12 hours of work, with overtime rates applying thereafter. For example, a live-in caregiver working in Sacramento could earn $512 per day for a 24-hour shift.
- 24-hour caregiver salary: The 24-hour caregiver salary in California varies but must meet or exceed $512 per day according to the 2024 minimum wage laws, with additional pay for overtime hours. For instance, a 24-hour caregiver in Riverside might earn $550 per day depending on their duties and experience.
- 24-hour live-in caregiver salary: A 24-hour live-in caregiver salary in California must include at least $512 per day, with overtime pay for hours worked beyond the standard 12-hour shift. For example, a live-in caregiver in Oakland might earn $600 per day if their duties require extended care.
- 24-hour caregivers salary: The salary for 24-hour caregivers in California must comply with the minimum wage laws, starting at $512 per day for the first 12 hours, with additional compensation for overtime. For instance, a caregiver in Fresno might earn $525 per day due to specific needs of the client.
Overnight Caregiver Pay
- Overnight caregiver rates: Overnight caregiver rates in California start at the state minimum wage of $16.00 per hour for the first 8 hours, with 1.5 times the hourly rate for overtime up to 12 hours, and double time for hours beyond that. For example, an overnight caregiver in Anaheim might earn $24.00 per hour for overtime hours worked during the night.
- How much do overnight caregivers get paid: Overnight caregivers in California get paid at least $16.00 per hour, with increased rates for overtime and double time based on the number of hours worked. For instance, a caregiver working overnight in Santa Monica might earn $32.00 per hour for hours worked beyond 12 in a single shift.
- Hourly rate for overnight caregivers: The hourly rate for overnight caregivers in California begins at $16.00 per hour, with overtime rates of 1.5 times the regular pay for hours between 8 and 12, and double time for hours beyond 12. For example, a caregiver in Long Beach might earn $48.00 per hour for hours worked beyond 12 on the seventh consecutive day of work.
Caregiver Overtime and Consecutive Days of Work
- Caregiver working 7 days in a row in California: If a caregiver works 7 days in a row in California, they are entitled to overtime pay at 1.5 times their regular hourly wage for the first 8 hours and double time for any hours over 8 on the seventh consecutive day. For example, a caregiver in Palo Alto might earn $24.00 per hour for overtime and $32.00 per hour for double time on the seventh day.
- Working 12 days in a row in California: For working 12 days in a row in California, caregivers must be compensated with overtime pay for any hours worked beyond 8 per day, and double time for hours worked beyond 12 each day and on the seventh consecutive day of work. For instance, a caregiver in Irvine working 12 days straight might earn $16.00 per hour for regular hours, $24.00 per hour for overtime, and $32.00 per hour for double time on the 12th consecutive day.
Caregivers’ Rights for Lunch and Breaks in California
In California, caregivers are entitled to specific rights regarding lunch and rest breaks, ensuring they have sufficient time off during their shifts to rest and recharge. These rights are governed by state labor laws, and employers must comply to avoid legal repercussions.
Rest Breaks
Caregivers in California are entitled to rest breaks during their shifts. The law mandates that:
- Rest Break Duration: For every four hours of work (or a major fraction thereof), caregivers are entitled to a paid 10-minute rest break. These breaks should be in the middle of the work period whenever possible.
- Frequency: If a caregiver works an 8-hour shift, they are entitled to two 10-minute rest breaks. For shifts longer than 10 hours, an additional 10-minute break is required.
- Off-Duty Breaks for Live-In Caregivers: Live-in caregivers must be given 3 non-consecutive hours of off-duty break time during a 12-hour shift. This allows them the flexibility to rest and take care of personal needs throughout their workday.
Meal Breaks
California law also provides caregivers with the right to meal breaks:
- Meal Break Duration: Caregivers working more than 5 hours in a day must be provided with an unpaid, off-duty 30-minute meal break. This meal break must begin before the end of the fifth hour of work.
- Second Meal Break: If a caregiver’s shift exceeds 10 hours, they are entitled to a second unpaid, off-duty 30-minute meal break. This second meal break must be provided before the end of the tenth hour of work.
- Waiving Meal Breaks: Under certain circumstances, caregivers may waive their meal break. If a caregiver works a shift of no more than 6 hours, they can mutually agree with their employer to waive the meal break. Similarly, if the shift is between 10 and 12 hours, the second meal break can be waived if the first was taken.
Penalties for Missed Breaks
If an employer fails to provide the required rest or meal breaks, the caregiver is entitled to an additional hour of pay at their regular rate for each missed break. This is known as a “premium pay” and serves as compensation for the time lost due to the employer’s failure to comply with the law.
Practical Example
For example, if a caregiver in Los Angeles works a 12-hour shift, they must be given three 10-minute paid rest breaks and two 30-minute unpaid meal breaks. If the caregiver only receives one meal break during this shift, they are entitled to an extra hour of pay at their regular rate as compensation for the missed second meal break.
Conclusion
Caregivers’ rights to lunch and breaks are protected by California labor laws to ensure they have sufficient time to rest during their workday. Employers must adhere to these regulations to provide fair working conditions and avoid penalties. If a caregiver believes their rights are being violated, they can file a complaint with the California Department of Industrial Relations or seek legal advice.
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