US Overtime Pay Calculator
Under the federal FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act), all non-exempt workers in the United States are entitled to overtime pay at 1.5 times their regular rate for every hour worked beyond 40 hours per week. For example, at $20/hour with 40 regular hours and 10 overtime hours, weekly pay would be: $800 regular + $300 overtime = $1,100 total, with an effective rate of $22.00/hour. In California, hours beyond 12 in a single day are paid at double time (2x). This calculator uses the official US Department of Labor rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FLSA and who is entitled to overtime?
The FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act) is the federal law that establishes minimum wage and overtime rules in the US. All 'non-exempt' workers are entitled to time-and-a-half (1.5x) pay for every hour worked beyond 40 hours per week. Salaried employees earning less than $684/week ($35,568/year) are automatically non-exempt, regardless of their job duties.
How is overtime pay calculated?
Overtime is calculated by multiplying your regular rate by 1.5 for each hour beyond 40 per week. For example: if you earn $15/hour and work 50 hours in a week, you receive $15 × 40 = $600 for regular hours, plus $22.50 × 10 = $225 for overtime hours, totaling $825. In California, hours beyond 12 in a single day are paid at double time (2x).
What is 'double time' in California?
California has more protective overtime rules than federal law. In addition to time-and-a-half after 8 hours per day, California requires double-time pay (2x) for hours exceeding 12 in a single workday, and for all hours after 8 on the seventh consecutive day worked in the same workweek.
Can my employer force me to work overtime?
Yes, in most states an employer can require overtime, as long as they pay the appropriate rate (1.5x or 2x). However, they cannot retaliate if you report unpaid overtime. If your employer doesn't pay overtime, you can file a complaint with the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD).
Do tips count toward my overtime rate?
Your regular rate for overtime calculation must include all forms of compensation, not just base wages. This includes: commissions, non-discretionary bonuses, and the difference between minimum wage and the tip credit. If you earn $2.13/hour plus tips, your overtime rate is based on at least the federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour), not the $2.13.