⚠️ California-Specific Laws: This California PTO calculator 2026 includes CA-mandated sick leave (24 hours/year), vacation payout requirements, waiting time penalties, and meal/break violation calculations. California has the most employee-friendly PTO laws in the USA.

California PTO Laws 2026 - CA Labor Law Updates

California has the most employee-friendly PTO laws in the United States. Our California PTO calculator 2026 implements these specific CA labor provisions that differ from federal and other state laws.

⚖️ CA Mandated Sick Leave 2026

24 Hours/Year: Minimum paid sick leave required by CA law
Accrual Rate: 1 hour per 30 hours worked (CA standard)
Carryover: Unused sick leave carries over to next year
Usage Cap: Employers can limit use to 24 hours/year
Coverage: Employee illness or family member care
Documentation: Doctor's note only after 3+ consecutive days

💰 CA Vacation Payout Law

Earned Wages: Vacation time = earned wages in California
Mandatory Payout: Must be paid upon termination (quit or fired)
Illegal Policies: "Use-it-or-lose-it" is prohibited in CA
Accrual Caps: Employers can cap accrual (but not forfeit earned)
No Expiration: Vacation never expires in California
Unlimited PTO: Must still pay "reasonable" accrued time

⚠️ WAITING TIME PENALTIES (CA LABOR CODE §203)

Immediate Payment Required: If employer doesn't pay final wages on time:

Fired Employees: Final pay due immediately
Quitting Employees: Within 72 hours of notice
Penalty: Up to 30 days of wages (daily rate × days delayed)
Example: $200/day × 30 days = $6,000 penalty

California City-Specific Rules 2026

🏙️ San Francisco PSLO

Paid Sick Leave Ordinance (PSLO)
Higher accrual rates for some employers
Additional protections for healthcare workers
Specific notice requirements

🌴 Los Angeles Rules

LA City Sick Time
Minimum 48 hours/year for larger employers
Healthcare worker differentials
Hotel worker specific rules

California PTO Calculator 2026 FAQ

Is "use-it-or-lose-it" PTO legal in California?

CA LAW NO. California considers accrued vacation time as earned wages. Employers cannot have "use-it-or-lose-it" policies. Any earned but unused vacation must be paid out upon termination.

How much sick leave is required in California 2026?

CA LAW 24 hours (3 days) per year minimum. Accrual rate: 1 hour per 30 hours worked. Employers can cap usage at 24 hours/year, but unused hours carry over.

When is final pay due in California?

CA LAW Immediately if fired. Within 72 hours if you quit. Delayed payment triggers waiting time penalties up to 30 days' wages.

What's the penalty for meal/break violations in CA?

CA LAW 1 hour of pay for each day a meal break isn't provided, plus 1 hour for each rest break violation. These penalties add up quickly.

Can my employer deny my sick leave in California?

CA LAW Only with proper notice. Employers can require reasonable advance notice for planned sick leave, but cannot deny leave for legitimate illnesses (with doctor's note if >3 days).

⚖️ California Legal Disclaimer (Updated January 2026)

Educational Tool Only: This California PTO calculator 2026 is for educational purposes based on CA Labor Code, DLSE guidelines, and typical HR practices. Not legal advice.

CA Law Specific: Calculations follow California-specific laws (different from federal and other states). Always verify with CA-specific resources.

City Variations: San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego have additional ordinances not fully covered here.

Official Sources: Consult CA Labor Commissioner, DLSE, or employment attorney for specific situations. Company policies may vary but cannot violate CA law.

Last Update: January 1, 2026 | Next Review: July 1, 2026

California PTO Calculator 2026: CA Sick Leave, Vacation Payout & Penalties

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