Overtime Calculator
Work out your overtime pay in seconds: regular rate × 1.5 for every hour over 40 per workweek, with optional double-time for states that require it.
| Pay type | Hours | Multiplier | Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight time | 40 | 1× | $800.00 |
| Overtime | 6 | 1.5× | $180.00 |
The federal overtime rule (FLSA)
The Fair Labor Standards Act requires covered, non-exempt employees to receive overtime pay at not less than time and one-half their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. The FLSA applies on a workweek basis — a fixed, regularly recurring period of 168 hours (seven 24-hour days). It does not require premium pay for weekend or holiday work unless those hours push the week past 40.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division — “Overtime Pay” overview. This calculator implements the federal rule; state daily-overtime rules can add to it.
Worked example: $20/hour, 46-hour week
| Hours | Rate | Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | $20.00 | $800.00 |
| 6 | $30.00 (1.5×) | $180.00 |
| 46 | blended ≈ $21.30 | $980.00 |
Six overtime hours added $180 — almost 22.5% more pay than the straight week. That is why hours-to-decimal mistakes cost real money: see the decimal hours chart to make sure 7:30 becomes 7.50, not 7.30.
Who does not get FLSA overtime?
- Exempt employees: executive, administrative, and professional roles that meet salary and duties tests. Exemption thresholds change — check the DOL.
- Independent contractors: properly classified contractors are not covered by FLSA overtime (misclassification is a common dispute).
- Some industries: limited exemptions exist for specific roles; verify with the DOL or a professional before assuming.
Questions people ask
How is overtime pay calculated?
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), covered non-exempt employees must receive at least time and one-half (1.5×) their regular hourly rate for every hour worked over 40 in a workweek. Example: $20/hour × 1.5 = $30/hour overtime rate.
Is overtime calculated daily or weekly?
Federal FLSA overtime is calculated on a weekly basis — over 40 hours in a fixed 168-hour workweek. Some states (California, Colorado, Nevada, and others) add daily overtime rules that may entitle you to more; check your state labor department.
Do weekends or holidays automatically count as overtime?
No. The FLSA does not require overtime pay for work on Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays unless the hours push the total workweek over 40 hours. State rules or employer policy may be more generous.
What is a blended overtime rate?
The blended rate is your total gross pay divided by total hours worked. If you worked 40 hours at $20 and 6 overtime hours at $30, your gross is $980 across 46 hours — a blended rate of about $21.30 per hour, even though only some hours were paid at a premium.