California Gross Pay Calculator

Calculate total gross pay including regular wages, overtime, bonuses, commissions, and other compensation. Perfect for payroll processing and salary planning.

Gross Pay Calculator

Enter your compensation details to calculate total gross pay

Types of Compensation (2025)

Regular Wages

Hourly Wages

Regular hourly rate for standard work hours

CA Minimum: $16.50/hour
Salary

Fixed annual compensation divided by pay periods

Exempt Minimum: $70,720/year
Piece Rate

Payment based on units produced or tasks completed

Must Meet: Minimum wage standards

Overtime & Premium Pay

Daily Overtime

Time and a half for hours over 8 in a day

Rate: 1.5x regular rate
Double Time

Double pay for hours over 12 in a day

Rate: 2x regular rate
7th Day Premium

Premium pay for 7th consecutive workday

Rate: 1.5x first 8 hrs, 2x after

Additional Compensation

Bonuses

Performance, holiday, or discretionary bonuses

Tax Treatment: Supplemental wages
Commissions

Sales-based compensation and incentives

Payment: Monthly minimum
Tips & Gratuities

Customer tips and service charges

Reporting: Required for tax purposes

Time-Off Pay

Vacation Pay

Accrued vacation time compensation

CA Law: Must be paid out
Holiday Pay

Compensation for recognized holidays

Rate: Regular or premium
Sick Leave

Paid sick leave compensation

CA Minimum: 3 days/year accrual

Gross Pay Calculation Examples

Example 1: Hourly Employee with Overtime

Scenario: 45 hours worked in a week

Regular Rate: $25.00/hour

Bonus: $200 performance bonus

Calculation:
Regular Time (40 hrs): 40 × $25.00 = $1,000.00
Overtime (5 hrs @ 1.5x): 5 × $37.50 = $187.50
Performance Bonus: $200.00
Total Gross Pay: $1,387.50

Example 2: Salaried Employee with Commission

Scenario: Bi-weekly pay period

Annual Salary: $75,000

Commission: $500 sales commission

Calculation:
Bi-weekly Salary: $75,000 ÷ 26 = $2,884.62
Sales Commission: $500.00
Total Gross Pay: $3,384.62

Example 3: Mixed Compensation

Scenario: Restaurant server

Hourly Rate: $16.50/hour (30 hours)

Tips: $450 in tips

Calculation:
Regular Wages: 30 × $16.50 = $495.00
Tips Received: $450.00
Total Gross Pay: $945.00

Example 4: Complex Pay Structure

Scenario: Sales manager with multiple pay components

Base Salary: $60,000/year (bi-weekly)

Commission: $800 sales commission

Bonus: $300 quarterly bonus (prorated)

Calculation:
Bi-weekly Salary: $60,000 ÷ 26 = $2,307.69
Sales Commission: $800.00
Quarterly Bonus (prorated): $300 ÷ 6 = $50.00
Total Gross Pay: $3,157.69

Important Calculation Notes

California Overtime Rules
  • Daily overtime: 1.5x after 8 hours, 2x after 12 hours
  • Weekly overtime: 1.5x after 40 hours
  • 7th consecutive day: 1.5x first 8 hours, 2x thereafter
  • Use the higher of daily or weekly overtime calculation
Pay Period Considerations
  • Salary calculations depend on pay frequency
  • Overtime must be calculated weekly, not per pay period
  • Bonuses and commissions are added to regular pay
  • All compensation is subject to payroll taxes
Supplemental Wage Rules
  • Bonuses and commissions are supplemental wages
  • May be subject to different withholding rates
  • Include in regular rate for overtime calculations
  • Must be paid according to agreed schedule
Record Keeping Requirements
  • Maintain detailed payroll records for 3+ years
  • Document all hours worked and pay rates
  • Track overtime calculations and premium pay
  • Provide itemized wage statements to employees

Frequently Asked Questions About Gross Pay

Gross pay includes all compensation before deductions: regular wages, overtime pay, bonuses, commissions, tips, holiday pay, vacation pay, and any other earnings. It's the total amount earned before taxes and other deductions.

California requires overtime pay at 1.5x regular rate for hours over 8 per day or 40 per week, and 2x rate for hours over 12 per day. The 7th consecutive workday also earns overtime rates.

Yes, all bonuses, commissions, and incentive payments are included in gross pay calculations. These are considered supplemental wages and are subject to payroll taxes.

Gross pay is total earnings before any deductions, while net pay is what you receive after taxes, insurance premiums, retirement contributions, and other deductions are subtracted from gross pay.

Important Payroll Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates based on California labor laws and 2025 minimum wage rates. Actual gross pay calculations may vary based on specific employment agreements, union contracts, local ordinances, and individual circumstances. This tool is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional payroll advice. Consult with your HR department or a qualified payroll professional for specific questions about compensation calculations.