Which States Require Double Time?
Only one state requires double time as a general rule: California. Colorado has a narrow 7th-day version. Everywhere else, 2× is a contract term, not a legal right. Here is the full 2026 picture.
Quick answer: California is the only state that requires double time for most workers — 2× after 12 hours in a workday, and after 8 hours on the 7th consecutive workday. Colorado requires 2× only for hours beyond 12 on a 7th consecutive day. No other state mandates double time.
The double-time states in 2026
| State | When 2× applies | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| California | Over 12 hours in a workday; over 8 hours on the 7th consecutive workday | Most non-exempt employees |
| Colorado | Beyond 12 hours on the 7th consecutive day worked | Covered employees under the COMPS Order |
| Nevada | No general double-time rule | — |
| All other states | No double-time requirement | Only by contract or union agreement |
What people mean by "double time and a half"
There is no statutory 2.5× rate anywhere in the United States. When someone says "double time and a half" they usually mean one of three things:
- Double time (2×) — the California rule after 12 hours.
- Time and a half (1.5×) — the federal standard, misheard.
- A contract premium of 2.5× that some employers and union agreements pay on public holidays.
The third is real but voluntary. If your contract offers it, it is enforceable as a contractual term — just not as a statutory one.
Where double time is common without being required
- Healthcare and nursing — many hospital systems pay 2× for extra shifts and holiday shifts.
- Manufacturing — 2× on Sundays is common in unionised plants.
- Utilities, rail and public safety — collective agreements routinely specify 2× and 2.5× rates.
Frequently asked questions
Is double time required in any state?
Yes — California, for hours over 12 in a workday and hours over 8 on a 7th consecutive workday. Colorado has a narrow 7th-day rule.
Does federal law require double time?
No. The FLSA requires 1.5× after 40 hours in a workweek and nothing more.
Is double time and a half legal?
Yes, an employer can pay 2.5× if the contract says so. It is simply not required by any state statute.
Do I get double time on Sundays or bank holidays?
Not by law in any state as a general rule. Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts have narrow Sunday/holiday premium rules for specific retail and manufacturing settings, but they are not general double-time requirements.
How much is double time on $20 an hour?
$40.00 per hour. Six double-time hours therefore pay $240.