Wage theft is one of the most widespread problems workers face, and California sees more unpaid wage and overtime violations than almost any other state. Many employees do not realize that even small violations add up to significant unpaid compensation. When employers fail to pay workers what the law requires, employees have the right to recover unpaid wages, penalties, and interest.

This guide explains what counts as unpaid wages, how overtime works, the most common violations, and how workers can take action.

What Are Unpaid Wages in California?

Unpaid wages occur when an employer fails to pay workers for all hours worked, including overtime, minimum wage, off the clock work, sick pay, rest breaks, and other legally required compensation.

The California Department of Industrial Relations outlines wage protections and requirements in detail at https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/.

Unpaid wages may include:

• Unpaid regular hours
• Unpaid overtime
• Off the clock work
• Missed meal and rest break premiums
• Unpaid minimum wage
• Unpaid double time
• Unpaid bonuses or commissions
• Illegal paycheck deductions
• Misclassified contractor pay

Even if the employer claims the violation was accidental, employees are still entitled to recover the money owed.

How Overtime Works in California

California has some of the strongest overtime rules in the country. Overtime applies based on the number of hours worked per day or per week.

Daily Overtime Rules

Employees must receive overtime pay at 1.5 times their regular rate when they work:

• More than 8 hours in a single workday
• The first 8 hours on the seventh consecutive day of work

Employees must receive double time when they work:

• More than 12 hours in a single workday
• More than 8 hours on the seventh consecutive day of work

Weekly Overtime Rules

Employees are entitled to overtime after working more than 40 hours in a workweek, regardless of how many hours they worked per day.

The U.S. Department of Labor also provides federal overtime standards at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd, but California’s rules are more generous and take priority.

Common Types of Overtime and Wage Violations

Wage theft can happen in many ways, sometimes intentionally and sometimes through poor management practices. The most common violations include:

• Not paying overtime rates when required
• Requiring employees to work off the clock
• Refusing to pay for mandatory meetings or training
• Misclassifying employees as independent contractors
• Withholding bonuses or commissions
• Paying a salary to avoid overtime (illegal unless truly exempt)
• Clocking employees out automatically
• Shaving hours from timecards
• Not paying for travel time during work duties
• Paid sick leave violations
• Failing to pay meal and rest break premiums

Many employers violate the law because workers do not know their rights.

Are You Exempt or Non Exempt?

Whether an employee earns overtime depends on their classification. Most workers in California are non exempt, which means they must be paid overtime.

Employees are often incorrectly told they are exempt just because they receive a salary. That is not true. To be exempt from overtime, an employee must:

• Perform specific professional, administrative, or executive duties
• Regularly exercise independent judgment
• Earn at least twice the state minimum wage for full time work

If any of these requirements are missing, the employee must be paid overtime.

Off the Clock Work Violations

Off the clock violations are extremely common and include:

• Pre shift preparation
• Post shift closing duties
• Answering calls, emails, or texts outside of work
• Security checks
• Putting on or removing protective gear
• Travel between job sites
• Working during unpaid meal breaks

If the employer allows or requires the work, it must be paid.

Meal and Rest Break Premiums Count as Unpaid Wages

If a worker does not receive a lawful meal or rest break, the employer must pay:

• One additional hour of pay for each missed meal break
• One additional hour of pay for each missed rest break

These premiums are considered wages and must be paid on time. Failure to pay them creates additional penalties.

What Evidence Helps Prove Unpaid Wages?

Employees do not need perfect documentation. Even partial records or personal notes can be powerful evidence.

Examples include:

• Timecards
• Timesheets
• Paystubs
• Work schedules
• Emails or texts assigning tasks
• Witness statements
• Personal calendars
• Photos or screenshots
• GPS logs for travel time

California law requires employers to keep accurate records. If the records are missing or inaccurate, the employee’s evidence is given more weight.

Penalties for Wage and Overtime Violations

Employees can recover:

• Unpaid wages
• Unpaid overtime
• Interest
• Waiting time penalties for late paychecks
• Meal and rest break premiums
• Liquidated damages in some cases
• Attorney fees

Waiting time penalties can be significant, often reaching up to 30 days of additional wages.

Industries with the Most Wage Violations

Some industries routinely violate wage laws, including:

• Restaurants and fast food
• Retail
• Warehouses and logistics
• Construction
• Security companies
• Home health care
• Delivery services
• Manufacturing
• Hospitality

High turnover and understaffing often lead to illegal practices.

How Employees Can Recover Unpaid Wages

Workers can:

• Request payroll records from their employer
• File a wage claim with the Labor Commissioner
• File a civil lawsuit for wage theft
• Report violations to state or federal agencies

Most unpaid wage claims can be pursued without fear of retaliation. It is illegal for employers to punish workers for asserting their rights.

Final Thoughts

Unpaid wages and overtime violations are extremely common, but California gives workers strong protections and powerful legal tools to recover the money they earned. Whether the violation involves unpaid overtime, off the clock work, missed breaks, or illegal deductions, employees have the right to pursue compensation and hold employers accountable.