Note: You can easily calculate and find out your time and a half pay using our Time and a half Pay Calculator Web App.
Master overtime calculations for hourly and salaried employees. Understand time‑and‑a‑half, double time, weighted average, and compliance with federal and state laws.
What Is Overtime Pay?
Overtime pay is additional compensation for hours worked beyond the standard 40‑hour workweek (or daily limits in some states). Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), non‑exempt employees must receive at least 1.5 times their regular rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Some states have stricter rules (e.g., daily overtime, double time).
What You’ll Learn
Time and a Half
1.5× regular rate for hours >40/week
Double Time
2× regular rate (CA after 12h/day)
Weighted Average
Multiple pay rates → blended OT rate
Salaried Non‑Exempt
Convert to hourly, then OT
Workweek Definition
7 consecutive days, not calendar week
State vs. Federal
Stricter rule applies
Basic Overtime Formula (FLSA)
For most hourly employees, overtime pay is calculated as:
Overtime Pay = Overtime Hours × (Regular Hourly Rate × 1.5)
Total Weekly Pay = (40 × Regular Rate) + (OT Hours × Regular Rate × 1.5)
Key: Overtime is based on hours worked in a single workweek. Employers cannot average hours over two weeks to avoid OT.
Step‑by‑Step Examples: Overtime Pay Scenarios
📌 Example 1: Standard Weekly Overtime (Time and a Half)
Scenario: Maria earns $20/hour, works 48 hours this week.
Regular pay: 40 × $20 = $800
Overtime hours: 8
OT rate: $20 × 1.5 = $30
OT pay: 8 × $30 = $240
Total = $1,040
📌 Example 2: Salaried Non‑Exempt Employee
Scenario: David earns $62,400/year (non‑exempt). He works 45 hours this week.
Hourly equivalent: $62,400 ÷ 2,080 = $30/hour
Regular pay for 40h: $1,200
OT rate: $30 × 1.5 = $45
OT pay (5h): 5 × $45 = $225
Total = $1,425
📌 Example 3: Weighted Average for Multiple Pay Rates
Scenario: Lisa works 30 hours as a cashier ($15/h) and 20 hours as a stocker ($18/h) in the same week. Total hours = 50 (10 OT hours).
Total regular earnings = (30×15) + (20×18) = $450 + $360 = $810
Weighted average rate = $810 ÷ 50 = $16.20/hour
Regular pay for first 40h = 40 × $16.20 = $648
OT rate = $16.20 × 1.5 = $24.30
OT pay for 10h = $243
Total = $648 + $243 = $891
Note: Some states allow different calculation methods; check local laws.
📌 Example 4: Daily Overtime (California)
Scenario: Alex works 10 hours on Monday, 8 hours Tuesday‑Friday (total 42 hours). Regular rate $25/h. California requires OT after 8 hours/day.
Daily OT: Monday: 2 hours at 1.5× = 2 × $37.50 = $75.
Weekly OT: total 42 hours → 2 hours over 40, but daily OT already covered Monday’s extra hours. No double counting. Regular pay = 42 × $25 = $1,050. Total = $1,050 + $75 = $1,125.
Always verify state rules.
📌 Example 5: Double Time (California)
In California, double time (2×) applies after 12 hours in a day or after 8 hours on the 7th consecutive day. Example: $20/h, works 13 hours on Monday. Regular 8h = $160, OT 4h (hours 9‑12) at $30/h = $120, double time 1h (hour 13) at $40 = $40. Total for the day = $320.
Quick Reference: Overtime Rates for Common Hourly Wages
| Regular Rate | Time‑and‑a‑Half (1.5×) | Double Time (2×) | OT Pay for 5 Hours (1.5×) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $12.00 | $18.00 | $24.00 | $90.00 |
Important Exemptions & Special Rules
- Exempt employees: Executive, administrative, professional, and outside sales roles may be exempt from overtime if they meet salary and duty tests (salary ≥ $684/week under FLSA).
- Bonuses & commissions: Non‑discretionary bonuses must be included in the regular rate before calculating overtime.
- Piecework & tipped employees: Special calculations apply; consult a payroll expert.
- Comp time: Private employers generally cannot offer comp time instead of overtime pay; public sector has different rules.
State Overtime Laws vs. FLSA
When state and federal laws differ, the higher standard (more generous to employee) applies. Key state variations:
| State | Overtime Threshold | Special Rules |
|---|---|---|
| California | >8 hours/day or >40 hours/week | Double time after 12h/day; 7th day rules |
Reverse Calculation: Find Hourly Rate from Overtime Pay
If you know your overtime earnings and hours, you can compute your regular rate:
Regular Rate = Overtime Pay ÷ (Overtime Hours × 1.5)
Example: You earned $225 overtime for 10 OT hours → $225 ÷ (10×1.5) = $225 ÷ 15 = $15/hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Note: You can easily calculate and find out your time and a half pay using our Time and a half Pay Calculator Web App.
Disclaimer: The calculators, tools, and content provided on this website are for informational and educational purposes only. The results and explanations provided by our calculators and content pages are estimates and general guidance only, and should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. We strongly recommend consulting with a qualified professional before making any financial or employment-related decisions. For detailed terms of service, visit.