How is overtime pay calculated?

Under the FLSA, overtime pay = 1.5 × regular rate of pay × all hours over 40 in the workweek. Regular rate includes hourly wages plus most additional compensation (shift differentials, non-discretionary bonuses, commissions). It excludes truly discretionary bonuses, gifts, and holiday pay at the employee’s choice.

What is the 'workweek' for overtime purposes?

The workweek is any fixed, regularly recurring period of 7 consecutive 24-hour periods. Most employers use Sunday–Saturday or Monday–Sunday, but they can define it differently. Crucially: overtime is calculated per workweek — you cannot average hours across two weeks to avoid overtime. If you work 50 hours one week and 30 the next, you earn 10 overtime hours in week one.

Who is covered by FLSA overtime rules?

Most employees working for businesses with $500,000+ in annual revenue, hospitals, schools, and government agencies are covered. Exempt employees (executive, administrative, professional roles earning $684+/week) are not entitled to overtime. Misclassification as exempt is one of the most common wage theft issues — if you earn under $684/week, you’re likely non-exempt regardless of job title.

What is the overtime rate in California vs. federal law?

California has stronger overtime protections: (1) Daily overtime after 8 hours (1.5× rate); (2) Double time (2×) after 12 hours in a day; (3) Double time on the 7th consecutive workday; (4) Weekly overtime after 40 hours (1.5×). Federal law only requires weekly overtime. California workers can earn overtime on a daily basis that federal workers aren’t entitled to.

Can my employer average hours over two weeks to avoid overtime?

No — under federal FLSA, overtime must be calculated on a workweek basis, not biweekly or monthly averages. If you work 50 hours in week 1 and 30 in week 2 (biweekly average: 40 hours), you’re still owed 10 hours of overtime pay for week 1. The only exception: hospitals and residential care facilities may use an 8–80 hour agreement with employee consent.

How to Use the Overtime Pay Calculator: Complete Guide

The overtime pay calculator determines exactly what your employer owes you for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. Federal law requires 1.5× your regular rate for those hours — but 'regular rate' is more complex than most workers realize, especially when bonuses, shift differentials, or multiple pay rates are involved. This guide covers every input, the legal rules behind the calculation, and how to verify your paycheck.

Overtime Calculator Inputs Explained

Overtime calculator inputs and their meaning

Input	What It Means	Example
Regular hourly rate	Your base pay per hour	$22/hr
Hours worked this week	Total actual hours worked	47 hours
Regular hours	Hours paid at straight time	40 hours
Overtime hours	Hours above 40 this workweek	7 hours
Overtime rate	1.5× regular rate (federal minimum)	$33/hr
Weekly total	Regular pay + overtime pay	(40 × $22) + (7 × $33)

The FLSA Overtime Rule: The Legal Foundation

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires employers to pay covered, non-exempt employees 1.5× their regular rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 in a single workweek. Key terms: 'workweek' (any 7 consecutive days — not necessarily Mon–Sun), 'non-exempt' (employees entitled to overtime), and 'regular rate' (can include more than just hourly wage).

Calculating Your Weekly Overtime Pay

Basic formula: Total weekly pay = (Regular hours × Hourly rate) + (Overtime hours × 1.5 × Hourly rate). Example: $22/hr, 47 hours: (40 × $22) + (7 × $33) = $880 + $231 = $1,111. This is your gross weekly pay before taxes and deductions.

📈Overtime Pay by Hourly Rate and Hours

At $22/hr, each overtime hour earns $33 (vs. $22 regular). 5 overtime hours = $55 extra per week. 10 overtime hours = $110 extra per week. 10 consistent overtime hours per week = $5,720 extra per year. Overtime income can meaningfully increase annual earnings.

Annual overtime income by hourly rate and weekly overtime hours

Hourly Rate	Weekly OT Hours	Weekly OT Pay	Annual OT Income
$18/hr	5 hrs	$135	$7,020
$22/hr	5 hrs	$165	$8,580
$28/hr	5 hrs	$210	$10,920
$22/hr	10 hrs	$330	$17,160
$35/hr	10 hrs	$525	$27,300

How to Verify Your Overtime Paycheck

Check your time records: do they show 47 hours?
Verify your hourly rate: what does your pay stub show as the regular rate?
Calculate your overtime rate: 1.5 × $22 = $33/hr
Calculate overtime hours: 47 − 40 = 7 overtime hours
Verify total: (40 × $22) + (7 × $33) = $880 + $231 = $1,111 gross
If your paycheck shows less: document the discrepancy and discuss with HR

Calculate Your Exact Overtime Pay

Enter your hourly rate and hours worked to verify you’re being paid correctly.

Open Overtime Pay Calculator →