Find the overtime rate
Multiply the regular hourly rate by the overtime multiplier.
OVERTIME PAY GUIDE
How to Calculate Overtime Pay
For a basic time-and-a-half calculation, multiply your regular hourly rate by 1.5, then multiply that overtime rate by the number of overtime hours worked.
3-STEP FORMULA
Overtime pay calculation in three steps
Calculate overtime earnings
Multiply the overtime rate by the overtime hours worked.
Add regular pay
Add overtime earnings to regular earnings if you want total gross pay for the week.
Overtime Rate = Regular Hourly Rate × Overtime Multiplier
Overtime Pay = Overtime Rate × Overtime Hours
EXAMPLE
Example: $20 an hour with 5 overtime hours
Regular hourly rate: $20
Overtime multiplier: 1.5×
Overtime rate: $20 × 1.5 = $30/hour
Overtime earnings: $30 × 5 = $150
If the employee also worked 40 regular hours, regular pay would be $800, producing $950 in total gross pay for the week before taxes and deductions.
$800 Regular Pay + $150 Overtime Pay = $950 Weekly Gross Pay
TIME AND A HALF
What does time and a half mean?
Time and a half means an overtime rate equal to 150% of the regular hourly rate. In other words, multiply the regular rate by 1.5.
| Regular Hourly Rate | Time-and-a-Half Rate (1.5×) | 5 OT Hours |
|---|---|---|
| $15.00 | $22.50 | $112.50 |
| $20.00 | $30.00 | $150.00 |
| $25.00 | $37.50 | $187.50 |
| $30.00 | $45.00 | $225.00 |
| $35.00 | $52.50 | $262.50 |
| $40.00 | $60.00 | $300.00 |
| $50.00 | $75.00 | $375.00 |
Want to enter your own rate and hours? Use the
Overtime Pay Calculator.
FEDERAL BASELINE
When does federal overtime generally apply?
Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), covered, nonexempt employees generally must receive overtime pay at not less than one and one-half times their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
A workweek is a fixed, regularly recurring period of seven consecutive 24-hour periods. Federal rules apply on a workweek basis rather than by averaging hours across multiple weeks.
Important: Overtime eligibility and calculation rules can depend on employee classification,
the regular rate of pay, state law, industry rules, contracts, bonuses, commissions, and other circumstances.
This page is a general calculation guide, not legal advice.
WEEKEND & HOLIDAY WORK
Is weekend or holiday work automatically overtime?
Under the federal FLSA, working on Saturday, Sunday, a holiday, or a normal day off does not by itself automatically create an overtime premium. The federal overtime requirement generally focuses on qualifying hours worked over 40 in a workweek for covered, nonexempt employees.
An employer policy, union agreement, employment contract, or state law can provide additional premium-pay rules.
DOUBLE TIME
How is double-time pay calculated?
When a 2.0× rate actually applies under a policy, agreement, or applicable law, the arithmetic is straightforward:
Double-Time Rate = Regular Hourly Rate × 2.0
For example, a $25 regular hourly rate becomes $50 per hour at a 2.0× multiplier.
Do not assume that federal law automatically requires double time. Applicable rules can differ by jurisdiction and employment arrangement.
REGULAR RATE
Why overtime can be more complicated than hourly rate × 1.5
For a simple hourly worker with no additional includable compensation, regular hourly rate × 1.5 is an easy illustration. In some situations, however, the legal “regular rate” used for overtime can include compensation beyond the basic hourly wage.
Certain bonuses, commissions, multiple pay rates, piece-rate earnings, or salary arrangements can make the calculation more complicated. When that applies, use official guidance or qualified payroll/legal advice rather than relying only on a basic calculator.
OVERTIME & GROSS PAY
How overtime changes weekly gross pay
| Regular Rate | Regular Hours | OT Hours | OT Rate | Total Gross Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20 | 40 | 5 | $30.00 | $950.00 |
| $25 | 40 | 5 | $37.50 | $1,187.50 |
| $30 | 40 | 5 | $45.00 | $1,425.00 |
| $40 | 40 | 5 | $60.00 | $1,900.00 |
For a more detailed earnings calculation that also includes bonuses, commissions, tips, and other earnings, use the Gross Pay Calculator.
FAQ
Overtime pay FAQ
How do I calculate overtime pay?
For a simple 1.5× calculation, multiply the regular hourly rate by 1.5, then multiply that overtime rate by the overtime hours worked.
What is time and a half for $20 an hour?
$20 × 1.5 = $30 per overtime hour.
What is time and a half for $25 an hour?
$25 × 1.5 = $37.50 per overtime hour.
What is time and a half for $30 an hour?
$30 × 1.5 = $45 per overtime hour.
Does overtime start after 8 hours in one day?
The federal FLSA generally uses hours over 40 in a workweek for covered, nonexempt employees. Some states or employment arrangements can have additional daily-overtime rules.
Is Sunday automatically double time?
Not under the federal FLSA solely because the work occurs on Sunday. Other laws, policies, contracts, or agreements may provide premium pay.
Does overtime pay include taxes?
Overtime earnings are gross pay. Take-home pay depends on payroll withholding and deductions.