California employment requirements
- Minimum wage
- $16.90/hour
- Overtime
- 1.5x pay after 40 hours in a week or 8 hours in a day, and 2x pay after 12 hours in a day, for a nanny who doesn't live in. On a seventh day in a row, pay is 1.5x for the first 8 hours and 2x after that. A live-in nanny gets at least 12 hours off in a row each day, plus 3 hours off within a 12-hour workday, and is owed 1.5x pay for work during any of that time and for a sixth or seventh day in a week, rising to 2x after 9 hours on those days. If the nanny only provides childcare, with other duties taking no more than a fifth of the week, overtime is 1.5x pay after 45 hours in a week or 9 hours in a day instead.
- Sick leave
- Required, 1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours a year
- Worker protections
Domestic Worker Bill of Rights in effect
- Overtime pay after 9 hours in a day or 45 hours in a week for a nanny who only provides childcare, with other duties taking no more than a fifth of the week
- Good to know
- California requires you to give a nanny written notice at hire that includes the pay rate and overtime rate, any meal or lodging allowance counted toward the minimum wage, the regular payday, your name, address and phone number, your workers' compensation insurance carrier, and the nanny's paid sick leave rights.
Frequently asked questions
What does California's Domestic Worker Bill of Rights mean for my contract?
California has a Domestic Worker Bill of Rights that provides additional protections, including overtime pay after 9 hours in a day or 45 hours in a week for a nanny who only provides childcare, with other duties taking no more than a fifth of the week. These protections are referenced in your contract.
How much sick leave do I need to provide in California?
California requires paid sick leave for employees. The accrual rate is 1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year. The contract builder fills in what a full-time nanny must be allowed, and you can always offer more.
Does California have daily overtime requirements?
Yes: 1.5x pay after 8 hours in a day and 2x after 12 for a nanny who doesn't live in, or after 9 hours in a day for a nanny who only provides childcare. A live-in nanny is owed 1.5x for work during their 12 hours off in a row or their 3 hours off within the workday.
What is the minimum wage in California?
The current statewide minimum wage in California is $16.90/hour. Your nanny's pay rate must be at or above this amount. Some cities and counties set a higher one, and the contract builder checks the ones it knows when you choose where the work is done.