Double Time Pay: Complete Guide
Double time pay means earning twice your regular hourly rate for certain hours worked. While not required by federal law, it applies in several common situations. This guide covers everything you need to know about double time — when it kicks in, how it compares to regular overtime, and how it works in California.
What is Double Time?
Double time is an overtime pay rate equal to 2 times your regular hourly rate. If you earn $20/hr, your double time rate is $40/hr. Double time is paid for specific types of extended work — most commonly in California, under union agreements, or as an employer-offered benefit.
Formula: Double Time Rate = Hourly Rate × 2
What is Double Time and a Half?
Double time and a half is an even higher premium rate equal to 2.5 times your regular hourly rate. At $20/hr, your double time and a half rate would be $50/hr. This rate is typically offered for:
- Working on major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.)
- Union contract provisions for holiday or emergency shifts
- Employer policies that go beyond legal minimums
Formula: Double Time and a Half Rate = Hourly Rate × 2.5
When Does Double Time Kick In?
Double time is triggered by specific situations depending on your location, employer, and employment agreement:
- California law: After 12 hours in a single workday, and after 8 hours on the 7th consecutive workday in a workweek.
- Union contracts: Many collective bargaining agreements include double time provisions for holidays, weekends, or shifts beyond a certain length.
- Employer policy: Some companies voluntarily pay double time for holiday work or call-in shifts as a benefit.
- Holiday pay: While not required by any federal or most state laws, double time on holidays is a common voluntary practice.
Double Time vs Regular Overtime
| Feature | Overtime (1.5x) | Double Time (2x) |
|---|---|---|
| Rate multiplier | 1.5× regular rate | 2× regular rate |
| Federal requirement | Yes (FLSA, >40 hrs/week) | No federal requirement |
| State requirement | All states (via FLSA) | California (specific situations) |
| Common triggers | Over 40 hrs/week; over 8 hrs/day (CA) | Over 12 hrs/day (CA); 7th day >8 hrs (CA) |
| Example at $25/hr | $37.50/hr | $50.00/hr |
| How common | Very common — most OT workers | Less common — specific situations |
Double Time in California
California has the most comprehensive double time rules in the nation. Here is exactly when double time applies:
- Over 12 hours in a single workday: All hours beyond 12 must be paid at double time (2x).
- 7th consecutive workday: If you work all 7 days of a workweek, hours beyond 8 on the 7th day must be paid at double time. The first 8 hours on the 7th day are paid at time and a half (1.5x).
Example: You earn $22/hr and work a 14-hour day in California:
- First 8 hours: 8 × $22.00 = $176.00 (regular rate)
- Hours 9-12: 4 × $33.00 = $132.00 (time and a half)
- Hours 13-14: 2 × $44.00 = $88.00 (double time)
- Total for the day: $396.00
Without California's daily overtime rules, this same worker would earn just $308.00 for 14 hours at the regular rate. The overtime provisions add $88.00 in extra pay.
Double Time Pay Examples
| Hourly Rate | Double Time (2x) | Double Time & Half (2.5x) | 4 DT Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| $15.00 | $30.00 | $37.50 | $120.00 |
| $20.00 | $40.00 | $50.00 | $160.00 |
| $25.00 | $50.00 | $62.50 | $200.00 |
| $30.00 | $60.00 | $75.00 | $240.00 |
Calculate Your Double Time
Use our free calculator to see your double time rate, double time and a half rate, and total earnings for any number of hours.
Double Time in Other States
While California is the most well-known state for double time requirements, a few other states and jurisdictions have limited double time provisions. Alaska, for example, does not mandate double time but does require daily overtime after 8 hours. Some local ordinances and industry-specific regulations may include double time pay requirements for certain types of work.
In states without double time laws, the only way to receive double time is through a collective bargaining agreement, an individual employment contract, or a voluntary employer policy. Union workers in construction, transportation, and manufacturing often negotiate double time provisions for holidays, weekends, and extended shifts as part of their contract.
If you work in a state without double time requirements, check your employment agreement or employee handbook. Many employers offer double time or double time and a half for holiday shifts even when not legally required — it helps with recruitment and retention for hard-to-fill shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is double time pay?
Double time pay means earning twice your regular hourly rate for certain hours worked. At $20/hr, your double time rate is $40/hr. It is most commonly required in California and under union contracts.
When do you get double time?
It depends on your state and employer. California requires double time after 12 hours in a day and after 8 hours on the 7th consecutive workday. Union contracts and employer policies may also provide double time for holidays or extended shifts.
Is double time required by law?
Not at the federal level. The FLSA only requires time and a half (1.5x). However, California requires double time in specific situations (over 12 hours/day, 7th consecutive day over 8 hours). Some other states have limited double time provisions.
What is the difference between double time and time and a half?
Double time is 2x your regular rate; time and a half is 1.5x your regular rate. At $25/hr, time and a half is $37.50/hr and double time is $50.00/hr. Time and a half is the more common rate and the federal minimum for overtime.