Interactive Tool

Regular Rate Calculator

Calculates the correct regular rate of pay including all compensation components — hourly base, commissions, flat-sum bonuses, piece-rate earnings, shift differentials, and non-discretionary incentives. Applies the Alvarado v. Dart Container methodology for flat-sum bonuses and the Ferra v. Loews Hollywood Hotel standard requiring meal and rest period premiums at the regular rate, not the base hourly rate. Includes presets for car dealership salespeople, hotel room attendants, and solar installers.

All calculations run in your browser. No data is transmitted or stored.

Methodology+

Interactive · Regular Rate Calculator

Calculates the correct regular rate under Ferra and Alvarado. Shows the gap between what was likely paid and what should have been paid, with PAGA extrapolation.

Pre-Loaded Industry Scenarios

Base Rate ($/hr)

$17.00

Hours Worked

45 hrs (5 OT)

Missed Meals

Missed Rests

Non-Discretionary Compensation (included in regular rate)

What Was Likely Paid (Base Rate Method)

Overtime premium: 5 hrs × $17.00 × 0.5

$42.50

Meal premiums: 1 × $17.00

$17.00

Total: $59.50

What Should Have Been Paid (Regular Rate Method)

Correct regular rate

$88.11/hr ($71.11 above base)

Overtime premium: 5 hrs × $88.11 × 0.5

$220.28

Meal premiums (Ferra): 1 × $88.11

$88.11

Total: $308.39

Weekly Underpayment Per Employee

$248.89

PAGA Exposure Extrapolation

Weeks to Extrapolate

52 weeks

Similarly Situated Employees

Per Employee (Annual)

$12,942

All Employees (Wages Owed)

$323,556

PAGA Penalty Exposure (est.)

$130,000

25 × 26 × $200 default

Wage underpayments are NOT recoverable as PAGA penalties (ZB, N.A. v. Superior Court). The PAGA penalty for overtime/regular rate violations is the default $100/$200. But wage underpayments create derivative § 226 and § 203 exposure.

Read the AnalysisThe Regular Rate Problem: Why Every Commission Plan Is a Ticking Clock →

For illustrative purposes only. Regular rate under Alvarado v. Dart Container (2018) 4 Cal.5th 542 (flat-sum bonus: divide by non-OT hours). Premium calculation under Ferra v. Loews Hollywood Hotel (2021) 11 Cal.5th 858 (regular rate, not base rate). True-up obligations apply when compensation is earned in a prior workweek.

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For illustrative purposes only. This tool does not constitute legal advice.