How Is Overtime Calculated?
The federal formula is simple: **1.5x your Regular Rate** for hours over 40. But nuances like bonuses and state laws can complicate the math.
The Basic Formula
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), overtime pay is calculated as:
Example Calculation
Jane earns **$20/hour**. She works **45 hours** in a week.
- Regular Pay: 40 hours × $20 = $800
- Overtime Rate: $20 x 1.5 = $30/hour
- Overtime Pay: 5 hours x $30 = $150
- Total Pay: $800 + $150 = **$950**
Use the Calculator
You can verify this math using our interactive tool below:
Includes 40h regular and 5h overtime.
Earnings Transparency
FLSA vs State Jurisdictions.
Time-and-a-Half
Standard for federal law. Any hours exceeding 40 in a single workweek are paid at 150% the regular rate.
Double Time Logic
Enabled in CA mode. Triggered by working over 12 hours in a single day or over 8 hours on a 7th consecutive day.
Advanced: Blended Rates & Bonuses
If you work two different jobs at the same company (e.g., Waiter at $15/hr and Host at $20/hr), your overtime rate is based on the **weighted average** (blended rate) of all earnings, not just the rate of the job you were doing when you crossed 40 hours.
Similarly, non-discretionary bonuses (like weekly performance commissions) must be added to the total weekly pay to determine the "Regular Rate," often resulting in a retroactive overtime adjustment check.