California · Standard edition

California Employment Contract Template

Create a California employment contract online. The Standard contract covers the position and duties, salary and overtime classification, benefits, paid leave, Form I-9, confidentiality, intellectual property, at-will or notice-based termination, and California final pay rules.

Start your California Employment Contract

California rules built into this template

  • Final pay: Final wages are due immediately when the employer ends employment; if the employee quits, they are due within 72 hours, or on the last day if the employee gave at least 72 hours' notice (Cal. Lab. Code §§ 201, 202). Earned, unused vacation is paid as wages.
  • Paid leave: Employees must accrue or receive paid sick leave of at least 40 hours or five days per year as required by Cal. Lab. Code § 246, and any greater amount required by local ordinance.
  • Inventions: under Cal. Lab. Code §§ 2870-2872, an employer cannot require assignment of inventions an employee develops entirely on their own time without company resources, unless related to the employer's business.

What the Employment Contract includes

  1. Position and Duties
  2. Start Date and Introductory Period
  3. Compensation
  4. Benefits
  5. Paid Leave
  6. Work Authorization
  7. Confidentiality
  8. Intellectual Property
  9. Termination
  10. Final Pay and Return of Property
  11. General Provisions
  12. Governing Law

Frequently asked questions

When is a final paycheck due in California?
Final wages are due immediately when the employer ends employment; if the employee quits, they are due within 72 hours, or on the last day if the employee gave at least 72 hours' notice (Cal. Lab. Code §§ 201, 202). Earned, unused vacation is paid as wages.
Is employment at will in California?
Yes, California employment is generally at will unless a contract says otherwise. The Standard contract lets you choose at-will employment or a notice period for termination.
What is the difference between the Standard and Professional Employment Contract?
The Standard edition is a complete, state-aware Employment Contract for common situations. The Professional edition adds longer clause coverage, schedules, and optional modules for more complex matters. You can preview either edition free before you pay.

Employment Contract templates for other states

DraftMyDocu provides self-help document templates only. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice.

Start your California Employment Contract