Overtime Pay Calculator

How Overtime Pay Works in the U.S.

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), most hourly employees in the United States must receive overtime pay at 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for every hour worked beyond 40 in a single workweek. This is commonly called "time-and-a-half." If you earn $20 per hour, your overtime rate is $30 per hour.

When does double time apply?

Double time (2× your hourly rate) is not required by federal law, but some states mandate it. California is the best-known example: employees earn double time for hours worked beyond 12 in a single workday, and for all hours beyond 8 on the seventh consecutive workday. A few other states and many union contracts include similar provisions. If you are unsure, check your state's labor department website.

Who is eligible for overtime?

Most hourly ("non-exempt") workers are covered. Salaried workers can also be eligible if they earn below the federal salary threshold and do not meet exemption criteria for executive, administrative, or professional roles. Independent contractors, on the other hand, are generally not covered by overtime rules at all.

Common overtime pay mistakes

• Averaging across two weeks: overtime is calculated per workweek, not per pay period. Working 50 hours one week and 30 the next still means 10 overtime hours.
• Wrong "regular rate": if you earn bonuses or shift differentials, your overtime rate must be based on the weighted regular rate, not just your base wage.
• Comp time instead of pay: private-sector employers generally cannot offer time off instead of overtime pay.
• Misclassification: being paid a salary does not automatically make you exempt from overtime.

How to use this calculator

Enter your hourly wage, your regular hours, and how many overtime hours you worked. The calculator applies the 1.5× multiplier to overtime hours and 2× to any double-time hours you enter, then shows your total weekly pay plus monthly and annual estimates. Use it to double-check your paycheck — payroll errors are more common than most people think, and catching them early is real money back in your pocket.

Overtime pay FAQ

Is overtime taxed differently? No. Overtime pay is taxed as ordinary income, exactly like regular wages. A bigger paycheck may push some dollars into a higher bracket for that period, but withholding adjusts over the year.

Does PTO count toward the 40 hours? Under federal law, only hours actually worked count. Paid holidays or sick days generally do not trigger overtime on their own, though some states and employers are more generous.

Can my employer refuse to pay overtime I didn't approve? If you worked the hours, they must generally be paid — though you can still be disciplined for working unauthorized overtime.

Disclaimer: this calculator is for informational purposes only and is not legal or tax advice. Overtime rules vary by state — consult your state labor agency or an employment attorney for your situation.