What is the standard overtime threshold?

In the United States, the standard overtime threshold is 40 hours per workweek under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). However, some states have different thresholds, such as 8 hours per day.

Overtime Calculator

Q: How is overtime pay calculated?

Overtime pay is typically calculated at 1.5 times (time and a half) the regular hourly rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. The formula is: Overtime Pay = (Hours over 40) × (Regular Hourly Rate × 1.5)

Q: Can overtime rates vary?

Yes, overtime rates can vary by employer, industry, and jurisdiction. While 1.5x (time and a half) is most common, some employers offer double time (2x) for certain situations like holidays or excessive overtime.

Calculate overtime pay with our free online overtime calculator. Supports different overtime rates, multiple pay periods, and provides detailed breakdowns. Fast, accurate, and mobile-friendly tool.

Enter your regular hourly wage

Total hours worked in the pay period

Standard is 40 hours per week

1.5 = time and a half, 2.0 = double time

Pay Period Type Select your pay period frequency

Pay Breakdown

Calculation completed successfully!

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How to Use the Overtime Calculator

Enter Regular Hourly Rate: Input your standard hourly wage before any overtime premiums.
Input Hours Worked: Enter the total number of hours worked during your pay period.
Set Overtime Threshold: Specify when overtime begins (typically 40 hours per week).
Choose Overtime Rate: Select the overtime multiplier (1.5 for time-and-a-half, 2.0 for double-time).
Select Pay Period: Choose your pay frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, etc.).
Calculate: Click the calculate button to see your detailed pay breakdown.

Formula Used

Overtime Pay Calculation

Regular Pay = Regular Hours × Hourly Rate

Overtime Hours = Total Hours - Overtime Threshold

Overtime Pay = Overtime Hours × (Hourly Rate × Overtime Multiplier)

Total Pay = Regular Pay + Overtime Pay

The most common overtime rate in the United States is 1.5 times the regular hourly rate (time and a half) for hours worked over 40 in a workweek, as mandated by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

About This Calculator

Our Overtime Calculator is designed to help employees, employers, and payroll professionals accurately calculate overtime pay according to standard labor laws and company policies. This tool supports various overtime scenarios and pay periods.

Key Features:

Flexible overtime thresholds (daily or weekly)
Customizable overtime rates (1.5x, 2x, or custom multipliers)
Multiple pay period options
Detailed pay breakdown showing regular vs. overtime compensation
Mobile-responsive design for on-the-go calculations
Real-time calculation with instant results

Use Cases & Applications

For Employees

Verify paycheck accuracy
Plan work schedules for maximum earnings
Understand overtime entitlements
Calculate potential earnings for extra shifts

For Employers

Calculate payroll costs
Budget for overtime expenses
Ensure FLSA compliance
Compare regular vs. overtime labor costs

For Payroll Professionals

Verify overtime calculations
Handle complex pay scenarios
Train new payroll staff
Audit existing payroll systems

For Students & Educators

Learn labor law concepts
Understand wage calculations
Practice business math problems
Study employment regulations

Calculation Examples

Example 1: Standard Week

Scenario: $20/hour, 45 hours worked, 40-hour threshold, 1.5x overtime rate

• Regular hours: 40 hours × $20 = $800
• Overtime hours: 5 hours × ($20 × 1.5) = 5 × $30 = $150
• Total pay: $800 + $150 = $950

Example 2: Double Time

Scenario: $25/hour, 50 hours worked, 40-hour threshold, 2.0x overtime rate

• Regular hours: 40 hours × $25 = $1,000
• Overtime hours: 10 hours × ($25 × 2.0) = 10 × $50 = $500
• Total pay: $1,000 + $500 = $1,500

Example 3: Bi-weekly Period

Scenario: $18/hour, 85 hours over 2 weeks, 80-hour threshold, 1.5x overtime rate

• Regular hours: 80 hours × $18 = $1,440
• Overtime hours: 5 hours × ($18 × 1.5) = 5 × $27 = $135
• Total pay: $1,440 + $135 = $1,575

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the standard overtime rate?

The standard overtime rate in the US is 1.5 times (time and a half) the regular hourly rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek, as required by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

When does overtime start?

Federally, overtime begins after 40 hours in a workweek. However, some states have daily overtime thresholds (like 8 hours per day), and some employers may have more generous policies.

Who is eligible for overtime pay?

Non-exempt employees are eligible for overtime pay. Exempt employees (typically salaried professionals, executives, and administrators earning above certain thresholds) are not entitled to overtime pay.

Can overtime rates vary?

Yes, some employers offer higher overtime rates (like double time for holidays), and certain industries or union contracts may have different overtime provisions, but they cannot be lower than the federal minimum.

How accurate is this calculator?

This calculator provides accurate mathematical calculations based on the inputs provided. However, actual overtime pay may vary based on state laws, company policies, and individual employment agreements.

What about taxes on overtime pay?

Overtime pay is subject to the same tax rates as regular pay. While your paycheck might show higher withholdings due to the larger gross amount, overtime pay isn't taxed at a higher rate.