PAGA Penalty Estimator

Models PAGA penalty exposure across seven violation categories with three output scenarios: plaintiff maximum, data-driven realistic, and defense best case. Supports pre-reform and post-reform penalty rates, the temporal bifurcation toggle for the 'Two Hotels' framework, derivative penalty stacking, weekly pay period halving under section 2699(o), and legacy/remedied period split analysis.

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Interactive · Combined Exposure Estimator
Dual-track model: PAGA penalties + class action damages. Per-category violation rates, penalty cap integration, derivative stacking, and temporal bifurcation.
Post-Reform (June 19, 2024+)
$100 default penalty. $200 only for malicious/oppressive conduct or prior findings. Anti-stacking (§ 2699(i)). Penalty caps available.
Aggrieved Employees
50
Pay Periods (1-Year PAGA Lookback)
26 bi-weekly
Violation Categories · Per-Category Violation Rates
Meal Period
§ 226.7 · $100 (default)
35%
$45,500
Rest Period
§ 226.7 · $100 (default)
30%
$39,000
Wage Statement
§ 226(e) · $100 (specific)
Overtime / Regular Rate
§ 510 · $100 (default)
Expense Reimbursement
§ 2802 · $100 (default)
Minimum Wage
§ 1197.1 · $250 (specific)
Final Pay Timing
§ 203 · $100 (default)
Penalty Cap (§§ 2699(g), 2699(h))
Naranjo Derivative Stacking (limited by § 2699(i))
Pre/Post Compliance Split
Class Action Damages Track
Weekly Pay Period (§ 2699(o))
Plaintiff Maximum
$84,500
Data-Driven Realistic
$50,700
Defense Best Case
$12,675
Penalty Breakdown
Meal Period (§ 226.7) · 35% violation rate
$45,500
Rest Period (§ 226.7) · 30% violation rate
$39,000
Total Exposure
$84,500
Settlement Distribution (Post-Reform: 35% Employee / 65% LWDA)
Employee Share (35%)
$29,575
LWDA Share (65%)
$54,925
Attorney Fees (est. 33%)
$9,760
Read the AnalysisThe "Two Hotels" Framework: Temporal Bifurcation in PAGA Penalty Analysis →
For illustrative purposes only. Actual exposure depends on facts, evidence, and applicable defenses. Post-reform (June 19, 2024+): default penalty $100/employee/pay period (§ 2699(f)(2)(A)); $200 only for malicious/oppressive conduct or prior findings (§ 2699(f)(2)(B)). Penalty caps: 15% (§ 2699(g)(1)); 30% (§ 2699(h)(1)). Anti-stacking: § 2699(i). Weekly halving: § 2699(o). PAGA employee share: 35% (§ 2699(m)). Derivative stacking per Naranjo v. Spectrum Security (2022) 13 Cal.5th 93, limited post-reform by § 2699(i). "Two Hotels" temporal bifurcation is an analytical methodology, not a statutory framework. Class damages estimates are illustrative — actual damages require forensic payroll analysis.
For illustrative purposes only. This tool does not constitute legal advice.