Overtime Calculator

How to Use the Overtime Calculator

Enter your base hourly rate, the number of regular hours worked, and your overtime hours. Select the overtime multiplier that applies to your situation. Most employees in the United States receive 1.5x (time-and-a-half) for overtime hours, though some positions earn double time or higher rates for holidays and weekends. The calculator instantly breaks down your regular pay, overtime pay, and total earnings.

The effective hourly rate shown at the bottom tells you what you actually earn per hour when overtime is factored in. This is useful for comparing the real value of a week with overtime versus a standard week. It also helps when negotiating compensation or deciding whether extra hours are worth the time.

Understanding Overtime Laws

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires most employers to pay overtime at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. Some states have additional overtime rules. California, for example, requires daily overtime after 8 hours and double time after 12 hours. Alaska requires overtime after 8 hours per day for most employees. Always check your state and local laws to understand what overtime rules apply to your situation.

Who Qualifies for Overtime?

Most hourly employees are non-exempt and qualify for overtime pay. Salaried employees may be exempt if they earn above a minimum salary threshold and perform certain types of work classified as executive, administrative, or professional. The Department of Labor periodically updates the salary threshold for exemption. If you are unsure of your status, consult your HR department or review the FLSA exemption criteria.

Maximizing Your Earnings

Understanding how overtime affects your total compensation helps you make informed decisions about accepting extra shifts. The effective hourly rate metric is especially valuable because it shows the blended rate across all hours. When negotiating pay or comparing job offers, consider how overtime opportunities affect your real earnings. A lower base rate with generous overtime can sometimes yield higher total pay than a higher base rate with no overtime.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is overtime pay calculated?

Overtime pay equals your hourly rate multiplied by the overtime multiplier (usually 1.5x for time-and-a-half) multiplied by the number of overtime hours. For example, at $20/hour with 10 overtime hours at 1.5x, overtime pay is $20 x 1.5 x 10 = $300.

What is the standard overtime multiplier?

The most common overtime multiplier in the United States is 1.5x (time-and-a-half) for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Some employers offer 2x (double time) for holidays, weekends, or hours beyond a higher threshold.

What is the effective hourly rate?

The effective hourly rate is your total pay divided by your total hours worked. When you work overtime at a higher multiplier, your effective rate rises above your base rate. For example, 40 regular hours plus 10 overtime hours at 1.5x with a $20 base rate yields an effective rate of $22/hour.

Do salaried employees get overtime?

It depends on your classification. Non-exempt salaried employees are entitled to overtime pay under the FLSA. Exempt employees (typically earning above a salary threshold and performing executive, administrative, or professional duties) generally do not receive overtime pay.

How do I calculate weekly pay with overtime?

Add your regular pay (hourly rate times regular hours) to your overtime pay (hourly rate times OT multiplier times OT hours). For a $25/hour worker doing 40 regular hours and 8 overtime hours at 1.5x: ($25 x 40) + ($25 x 1.5 x 8) = $1,000 + $300 = $1,300 per week.