Thanksgiving and Wage Laws in California: Are You Owed Extra Pay?

By Eugene Bruno on October 29, 2025

Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and, for many, work shifts. If you’re scheduled to work on Thanksgiving, or over the holiday weekend, you might be wondering: Am I owed extra pay in California?

Understanding your rights under California law can help you plan your finances, avoid surprises, and ensure your employer is complying with wage and hour regulations. The San Diego employment law attorneys at Eugene Bruno & Associates represent clients with pay dispute claims. We can answer all your questions about California employment law.

Are You Guaranteed Extra Pay for Working on Thanksgiving in California?

In California, there is no law requiring employers to pay extra for working on holidays, including Thanksgiving. Your employer is generally only required to pay your regular hourly wage for hours worked, unless you exceed 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. If that happens, overtime pay applies.

However, many California employers offer holiday pay or premium pay (sometimes called “time-and-a-half” or double-time) as a company policy or incentive. This is not legally required, but it may be a offered as a benefit in the retail, hospitality, and healthcare industries.

California Overtime Rules to Keep in Mind

Even if your employer doesn’t offer special holiday pay:

• Daily overtime: Hours worked over 8 in a day must be paid at 1.5x your regular rate. Hours over 12 in a day are paid at double time.
• Weekly overtime: Hours worked over 40 in a week must be paid at 1.5x your regular rate.
• Seventh consecutive day: On the seventh consecutive day of work in a week, the first 8 hours are 1.5x and hours beyond 8 are double time.

So if Thanksgiving puts you over these thresholds, California law ensures you receive overtime or double-time pay, even if the holiday itself isn’t considered a “premium day.”

Tips for Employees Working Thanksgiving in California

• Check your employee handbook or company policy to see if your employer offers holiday pay.
• Track your hours carefully, especially if you’re working multiple shifts over the holiday week.
• Ask HR or payroll if you have questions about overtime, double-time, or holiday premiums.
• Document everything; if you believe you are owed additional pay, keeping clear records of hours and company policies is essential.

Working on Thanksgiving in California does not automatically guarantee extra pay, but overtime rules and company policies may provide additional compensation. Staying informed and reviewing your workplace policies ensures you receive all the pay you are legally owed.

Speak With an Experienced San Diego Employment Law Attorney Today

If you have questions about holiday pay, overtime, or wage disputes in California, our employment law attorneys at Eugene Bruno & Associates are here to help protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

To learn more, contact us today at 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) for a free consultation.