Unpaid Wages & Overtime
California Employers Must Pay What You're Owed.
Wage theft is the most common workplace violation in California. Whether your employer failed to pay overtime, stole tips, or made illegal deductions, California law gives you the right to recover those wages — plus penalties.
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What California Law Requires
Minimum Wage
California minimum wage is $16.90/hour (2026) for most workers — higher for fast food workers and some industries. If you were paid less, your employer owes you the difference plus penalties.
Overtime Pay
California requires overtime (1.5× your rate) for any work over 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week. Double time is required for over 12 hours in a day. These rules are stricter than federal law.
Tip Rights
In California, tips belong to employees — employers cannot take them, require tip pooling with managers, or use them to offset wages. Violations can result in significant penalties.
Expense Reimbursement
California employers must fully reimburse all necessary work expenses — mileage, cell phone use, home internet for remote workers, tools, and uniforms. Failure to reimburse is a wage violation.
Final Paycheck Rules
If you're fired, your final paycheck is due immediately. If you quit with 72 hours notice, it's due on your last day. Late final pay triggers waiting time penalties equal to one day's wages for each day of delay, up to 30 days.
Independent Contractor Misclassification
Under California's AB 5, most workers must meet the strict ABC test to be classified as contractors. If you were misclassified, you may be owed back wages, overtime, benefits, and expense reimbursements.
Your Wages. Your Rights. Our Fight.
California wage claims have a 3-year statute of limitations (4 years under the Unfair Competition Law). The sooner you act, the more you can recover. Free review — no cost, no obligation.