How to use this calculator
Enter your regular hourly rate and the total number of hours you worked during the pay period. The calculator assumes the standard 40 hour threshold for overtime eligibility, but you can adjust this if your employer or state uses a different cutoff.
Select the overtime multiplier that applies to your situation. The default is 1.5x (time and a half), which is the federal minimum for covered employees. If your employer or state provides double time (2x) for certain hours, you can change the multiplier to reflect that.
The results display your regular pay, overtime pay, total gross earnings, and your effective hourly rate for the period. The effective rate blends your regular and overtime hours into a single average, which is useful for comparing the value of overtime against other income opportunities.
Understanding overtime rules
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires most employers to pay overtime at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours exceeding 40 in a workweek. However, not all employees qualify. Salaried workers in executive, administrative, or professional roles may be classified as exempt, meaning overtime rules do not apply to them.
Some states provide additional protections beyond the federal standard. California, for example, requires daily overtime after 8 hours and double time after 12 hours in a single day. Alaska, Nevada, and Colorado also have daily overtime thresholds. Always check your state labor department for the rules that apply to your specific situation.
Frequently asked questions
How is overtime pay calculated?
Multiply your regular rate by the overtime multiplier (usually 1.5x) for hours beyond 40 per week. At $20/hour with 10 OT hours: 10 x $30 = $300 in overtime pay added to your regular earnings.
What is time and a half?
Time and a half means earning 1.5 times your normal rate for overtime hours. A $20/hr worker earns $30/hr for OT. This is the federal minimum overtime rate under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
When does overtime start?
Federally, overtime begins after 40 hours in a workweek. Some states like California also require daily overtime after 8 hours. Check your state laws for additional protections.
Is overtime taxed at a higher rate?
No special overtime tax rate exists. However, additional income may be withheld at a higher rate by your employer. Your actual tax liability is determined on your annual return, not per paycheck.
What is double time pay?
Double time pays 2x your regular rate. California requires it after 12 hours in a day or on the 7th consecutive workday. Not all states or employers offer double time.