California
Meal & rest breaks.

California · Meal & rest breaks

Rule name changed from not previously published to California meal and rest breaks. Summary changed from not previously published to Most employees get an unpaid 30-minute meal period when they work more than 5 hours (a second one after 10 hours) and a paid 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours worked. Missing a required meal or rest break adds one hour of premium pay (Labor Code sections 512 and 226.7).. Requirement changed from not previously published to 30-minute meal period after 5 hours; paid 10-minute rest break per 4 hours. Numeric amount changed from not previously published to not published. Minimum employer size changed from not previously published to 0 employees. Effective date changed from not previously published to Jan 1, 2000. Publication status changed from not previously published to active. Local guidance changed from not previously published to California's minimum wage rose to $16.90 on January 1, 2026, which automatically lifted the exempt salary floor to $70,304 a year because the threshold is set at twice the minimum wage. California is unusual in having daily overtime (1.5x after 8 hours in a day, 2x after 12) and it allows no tip credit at all. Paid family leave benefits rose on January 1, 2025 to 90% of wages for workers earning under $63,000 a year. Many California cities set local minimum wages above the state rate.. Industry coverage changed from not previously published to not published.