Quick answer
Most US states use the federal rule: 1.5× pay after 40 hours in a workweek, with no daily overtime. Four states also have general daily overtime rules: California, Alaska, Nevada and Colorado.
States with daily overtime
| Region | Daily overtime | Weekly overtime | Double time |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Over 8 hrs/day at 1.5× | Over 40 hrs at 1.5× | Over 12 hrs/day, and over 8 hrs on the 7th consecutive day worked in the workweekThe first 8 hrs on that 7th day are 1.5× |
| Alaska | Over 8 hrs/day at 1.5× | Over 40 hrs at 1.5× | None requiredEmployers with 4 or more employees |
| Nevada | Over 8 hrs/day at 1.5×, only if paid under $18.00/hr1.5× the $12.00 minimum wage (July 1, 2026) | Over 40 hrs at 1.5× | None required |
| Colorado | Over 12 hrs/day, or 12 consecutive hours, at 1.5× | Over 40 hrs at 1.5× | None requiredWhichever calculation pays more |
| All other states and DC | None | Over 40 hrs at 1.5× | None required |
| Ontario, Canada | None | Over 44 hrs at 1.5× | None required |
California
California has the strictest rules. Overtime starts after 8 hours in a workday or 40 hours in a workweek. Double time applies after 12 hours in a day. If you work all seven days of a workweek, the first 8 hours on the seventh day are paid at 1.5× and anything beyond 8 at 2×. Employees on an approved alternative workweek schedule (for example four 10-hour days) follow different daily limits.
Source: California DIR: Overtime FAQ
Alaska
Overtime at 1.5× after 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. Hours already paid as daily overtime are not counted again toward the 40. The rule covers employers with four or more employees, and a written flexible work plan can change the daily limit.
Alaska overtime laws and calculator ›
Source: Alaska Statutes AS 23.10.060
Nevada
Weekly overtime after 40 hours applies to non-exempt workers in general. Daily overtime after 8 hours applies only to employees paid less than 1.5 times the minimum wage. With the minimum wage at $12.00 from July 1, 2026, that cut-off is $18.00 an hour. A voluntary written agreement to work four 10-hour days moves the daily limit to 10 hours.
Nevada overtime laws and calculator ›
Source: Nevada Labor Commissioner: 2026 bulletins
Colorado
Under COMPS Order #40 (2026), overtime at 1.5× is owed for hours over 40 in a workweek, over 12 in a workday, or over 12 consecutive hours even if the shift crosses midnight. The employer pays whichever calculation gives the employee more. Hours cannot be averaged across weeks, and comp time cannot replace overtime pay.
Colorado overtime laws and calculator ›
Source: Colorado CDLE: COMPS Order #40
Ontario
Ontario’s Employment Standards Act sets overtime at 1.5× after 44 hours in a work week. There is no daily overtime. Averaging over two or more weeks is only allowed under a written agreement approved by the Director of Employment Standards.
Source: Ontario: ESA guide, overtime pay
Working somewhere else in Canada? See overtime laws by province for every province and territory.
Other rules to know about
- Industry rules. Some states have extra limits for specific industries, for example manufacturing work in Oregon or some agricultural and public works jobs. These are not general rules and are not built into the calculator.
- Exemptions. Salaried executive, administrative and professional employees, and some other jobs, can be exempt from overtime under federal and state law.
- Whichever is better. When federal and state law both apply, the employee gets the rule that pays more.
- Union and employment contracts can always pay more than the legal minimum.
Questions
Which states pay overtime after 8 hours a day?
California and Alaska pay overtime after 8 hours in a workday. Nevada does too, but only for employees paid under $18.00 an hour in 2026. Colorado pays daily overtime after 12 hours.
Does Texas have daily overtime?
No. Texas follows the federal rule: overtime at 1.5 times the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek.
When does overtime start in Ontario?
After 44 hours in a work week, at 1.5 times the regular rate. Ontario has no daily overtime.