Overtime Calculator
Calculate overtime pay based on your hourly rate, overtime hours, and pay rules.
How Overtime Pay Is Calculated
Overtime pay is typically calculated at a premium rate for hours worked beyond the standard 40-hour workweek. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in the United States, non-exempt employees must receive overtime pay at 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for any hours worked over 40 in a single workweek.
The basic formula is:
Overtime Pay = Overtime Hours × (Regular Hourly Rate × 1.5)
This calculator applies the standard time-and-a-half multiplier by default. Some employers or jurisdictions may use different multipliers, such as double time for certain holidays or excessive hours, which can be adjusted in the pay rules.
What Counts as Overtime Hours
Overtime hours are any hours worked beyond the overtime threshold in a single workweek. The standard threshold is 40 hours, but some states or industries have different rules. For example:
- California requires overtime pay for hours worked over 8 in a single day
- Some states have daily overtime thresholds for certain industries
- Union contracts may specify different overtime rules
This calculator uses the weekly threshold model, which is the most common standard.
How to Use the Overtime Calculator
- Enter your regular hourly rate — This is your standard pay rate before any overtime multiplier is applied.
- Enter your overtime hours — The number of hours you worked beyond the standard workweek.
- Select your pay rule — Choose the overtime multiplier that applies to your situation. Time-and-a-half (1.5x) is the standard, but you can select other options if your employer uses different rates.
The calculator will display your total overtime pay based on the inputs provided. No personal data is stored or transmitted.
Example Calculation
Consider an employee with an hourly rate of $20 who works 48 hours in a single workweek.
- Regular hours: 40
- Overtime hours: 8
- Overtime rate: $20 × 1.5 = $30 per hour
- Overtime pay: 8 × $30 = $240
Total gross pay for the week would be $800 (40 regular hours × $20) + $240 (overtime) = $1,040.
Understanding Your Results
The result shown is the additional overtime pay only — it does not include your regular wages. To get your total gross pay for the week, add your regular pay (regular hours × hourly rate) to the overtime pay shown.
Keep in mind that this calculator provides an estimate based on the inputs you provide. Actual pay may differ due to:
- State-specific overtime laws
- Employer-specific pay policies
- Bonuses or commissions that may affect the regular rate
- Deductions for taxes, benefits, or other withholdings
For precise payroll calculations, consult your employer or a payroll professional.
Common Mistakes When Calculating Overtime
- Using the wrong multiplier — Not all overtime is time-and-a-half. Some situations require double time or other rates.
- Forgetting to include all hours worked — Short breaks, training time, and travel between job sites may count as work hours.
- Mixing daily and weekly overtime — Some states require daily overtime calculations in addition to weekly ones.
- Excluding bonuses from the regular rate — Nondiscretionary bonuses can increase the regular rate used for overtime calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is overtime always 1.5 times the hourly rate?
In most cases under federal law, yes — overtime is paid at 1.5 times the regular rate. However, some states, employers, or union agreements may use different multipliers. Certain industries like healthcare or transportation may have specific overtime rules.
Does overtime apply to salaried employees?
It depends on the employee's classification. Salaried employees who are classified as non-exempt under the FLSA are entitled to overtime pay. Exempt salaried employees (typically executive, administrative, or professional roles) are not entitled to overtime. Check your employment classification to determine eligibility.
What happens if I work overtime on a holiday?
Holiday overtime rules vary by employer. Some companies pay a higher rate (such as double time) for holiday work, while others treat it as regular overtime. Check your employee handbook or employment contract for specific holiday pay policies.
Can my employer require me to work overtime?
In most states, employers can require overtime work as long as they pay the appropriate overtime rate. Some states have restrictions on mandatory overtime for certain professions, particularly in healthcare and public safety. Review your state's labor laws for specific protections.