Introduction
The Overtime Calculator helps you figure out how much extra money you earn when you work more than your regular hours. In most jobs, overtime pay is 1.5 times your normal hourly rate, often called "time and a half." Some jobs may pay double time for holidays or extra-long shifts. This tool takes your regular hourly wage, the number of overtime hours you worked, and your overtime pay rate to quickly calculate your total overtime earnings. Whether you get paid weekly or biweekly, knowing your overtime pay helps you plan your budget and make sure your paycheck is correct. If you need to convert between different pay formats, our Hourly to Salary Calculator and Salary to Hourly Calculator can help.
How to Use Our Overtime Calculator
Enter your pay details below to find out how much extra money you earn when you work overtime hours.
Hourly Rate: Type in how much you get paid per hour at your normal rate. This is your base pay before any overtime kicks in.
Regular Hours Per Week: Enter the number of hours you work in a normal week. For most workers, this is 40 hours.
Overtime Hours: Put in the number of extra hours you worked beyond your regular schedule. These are the hours that qualify for overtime pay.
Overtime Multiplier: Enter your overtime pay rate multiplier. The standard rate is 1.5x, which means time-and-a-half. Some jobs pay double time (2x) for holidays or weekends.
Understanding Overtime Pay
Overtime pay is the extra money you earn when you work more than your standard number of hours in a workweek. In the United States, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires most employers to pay overtime at a rate of 1.5 times your regular hourly rate — often called "time and a half" — for every hour worked beyond 40 in a single workweek. Some states, like California, also require double time (2× your regular rate) after a certain number of overtime hours or on the seventh consecutive day of work.
How Overtime Pay Is Calculated
The basic formula for overtime pay is simple:
- Overtime Pay = Regular Hourly Rate × Overtime Multiplier × Overtime Hours
- Total Weekly Pay = Regular Pay + Overtime Pay + Double Time Pay (if applicable)
For example, if you earn $20 per hour and work 50 hours in a week, you get your normal $20 for the first 40 hours ($800) plus $30 per hour (1.5 × $20) for the extra 10 hours ($300). Your total weekly pay would be $1,100. To see how your total earnings translate into an annual figure, try our Hourly to Salary Calculator.
What Counts as Your "Regular Rate"?
Your regular rate is not always just your base hourly wage. Under the FLSA, certain types of pay must be included when figuring out your regular rate, and certain types can be left out:
- Included: Base hourly wages, non-discretionary bonuses, shift differentials, piece-rate earnings, commissions, and the reasonable cost of employer-provided board or lodging (non-cash compensation).
- Excluded: Gifts, discretionary bonuses, holiday or vacation premium pay, employer contributions to retirement plans or insurance, and certain other payments listed in the FLSA.
If you are paid a salary instead of an hourly wage, your regular hourly rate is found by dividing your salary by the number of hours that salary is meant to cover. For instance, a weekly salary of $1,000 for a 40-hour workweek gives you a regular rate of $25 per hour. Our Salary to Hourly Calculator makes this conversion quick and easy.
Who Is Eligible for Overtime?
Not every worker qualifies for overtime. The FLSA classifies employees as either exempt or non-exempt. Non-exempt workers are entitled to overtime pay, while exempt workers are not. Common exemptions apply to certain executive, administrative, professional, and outside sales employees who meet specific salary and job duty requirements. As of 2024, an employee generally must earn at least $684 per week ($35,568 per year) on a salary basis to potentially qualify for an exemption — though proposed rules may raise this threshold. If you are unsure about your status, check with your employer or your state's labor department.
State Overtime Laws
Some states have overtime rules that go beyond the federal standard. California, for example, requires overtime after 8 hours in a single day, not just after 40 hours in a week. Alaska and Nevada have similar daily overtime thresholds. When both federal and state laws apply, the rule that gives the worker more pay is the one that must be followed. Always check your specific state's labor laws to know exactly what you are owed.
Why Overtime Pay Matters
Overtime can make a big difference in your total income. A worker earning $20 per hour who consistently works 10 hours of overtime each week takes home an extra $15,600 per year compared to working only 40 hours. Understanding how overtime is calculated helps you verify your paychecks, plan your budget, and negotiate your work schedule. It also helps employers estimate labor costs and stay in compliance with wage and hour laws. Once you know your total gross pay, you may want to use our Net Worth Calculator to see the bigger financial picture, or explore tools like the DTI Calculator to understand how your income relates to your debt obligations. If you're thinking about how to grow your earnings over time, the APY Calculator and Rule of 72 Calculator can help you see how your savings might compound.