How to calculate overtime
- Find your overtime hours. Federal rule: hours over 40 in the workweek. Daily-overtime states also count hours over 8 (or 12) in a day.
- Find your overtime rate: regular hourly rate × 1.5 (time and a half) or × 2 (double time).
- Multiply overtime hours by the overtime rate, and add your regular pay.
Example: 48 hours at $20/hour. Regular: 40 × $20 = $800. Overtime: 8 × $30 = $240. Total: $1,040.
Your paycheck with overtime: how to calculate weekly pay
Weekly gross pay = (regular hours × hourly rate) + (overtime hours × hourly rate × 1.5). For a two-week paycheck, work out each week separately — federal overtime is counted per workweek, so 50 hours one week and 30 the next is 10 hours of overtime, not zero. Taxes and deductions then come out of the gross; overtime is taxed at your normal rate, though part of it may be deductible for 2025–2028.
Time and a half and double time at common rates
| Hourly rate | Time and a half (1.5×) | Double time (2×) | Pay for 50-hour week (1.5× after 40) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $15.00 | $22.50 | $30.00 | $825.00 |
| $18.00 | $27.00 | $36.00 | $990.00 |
| $20.00 | $30.00 | $40.00 | $1,100.00 |
| $22.00 | $33.00 | $44.00 | $1,210.00 |
| $25.00 | $37.50 | $50.00 | $1,375.00 |
| $30.00 | $45.00 | $60.00 | $1,650.00 |
| $35.00 | $52.50 | $70.00 | $1,925.00 |
| $40.00 | $60.00 | $80.00 | $2,200.00 |
| $50.00 | $75.00 | $100.00 | $2,750.00 |
Overtime rules by state
Federal law (the Fair Labor Standards Act) applies everywhere; where a state rule is more generous, the employer must follow the state rule.
| Where | Rule |
|---|---|
| Federal / most states | 1.5× for hours over 40 in a workweek |
| California | 1.5× over 8 h/day and 40 h/week; 2× over 12 h/day; 7th consecutive workday 1.5× (first 8 h) and 2× after |
| Alaska | 1.5× over 8 h/day or 40 h/week (employers with 4+ employees) |
| Nevada | 1.5× over 8 h in 24 hours for employees earning under 1.5× minimum wage; 40 h/week |
| Colorado | 1.5× over 12 h/day or 40 h/week |
Firefighters and police can be paid overtime on a 7–28 day work period instead of weekly — use the firefighter overtime calculator. Sources: U.S. Department of Labor and state labor departments. Rules change; check your state.
Who gets overtime?
Most hourly workers are non-exempt and must get overtime. Some salaried workers are exempt — generally those paid at least $684 a week who do executive, administrative or professional work. Job title alone does not decide it; duties and pay do. Several states, including California, New York and Washington, set higher salary levels.
Overtime on 12-hour and 24-hour shifts
On 12-hour rotations like the 2-2-3 or Pitman, you work 36 hours one week and 48 the next. With weekly overtime, the 48-hour week includes 8 overtime hours. Track your actual week with the time card calculator, or see yearly totals with the shift pay calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate overtime pay?
Multiply your hourly rate by 1.5 to get the overtime rate, then multiply by the overtime hours. Example: $20/hour × 1.5 = $30/hour. With 8 overtime hours that is $240, on top of 40 × $20 = $800 regular pay, for $1,040 total.
How much is time and a half?
Time and a half is 1.5 times your regular hourly rate. At $18/hour, time and a half is $27/hour; at $25/hour it is $37.50/hour.
When does overtime start?
Under federal law, after 40 hours worked in a workweek for non-exempt employees. California, Alaska and Nevada (for lower-wage workers) also have overtime after 8 hours in a day, and Colorado after 12 hours in a day.
What is double time?
Double time is 2 times your regular rate. Federal law does not require it, but California requires double time for hours over 12 in a day and after 8 hours on the seventh consecutive workday. Some employers and union contracts pay double time for holidays.
Do salaried employees get overtime?
Salaried employees are entitled to overtime unless they are exempt. To be exempt under federal rules, an employee generally must be paid a salary of at least $684 a week ($35,568 a year) and do executive, administrative or professional work. Some states set higher salary levels.
Do paid holidays and sick days count toward overtime?
Under federal law, overtime is based on hours actually worked, so paid time off usually does not count toward the 40 hours. Some employers and contracts count it anyway.
Is overtime taxed more?
Overtime is taxed as ordinary income at the same rates as regular pay; withholding can look higher in big paycheck weeks. For tax years 2025–2028, part of overtime pay may be deductible — see the no tax on overtime calculator.
Estimates of gross pay before taxes. Not legal advice — your employer, contract and state rules decide your pay.