How it’s calculated
The U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires covered, non-exempt employees to be paid at least one and one-half times their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
Example: 45 hours at 20 per hour = 40 × 20 = 800 regular, plus 5 × 30 = 150 overtime, for 950 gross pay.
This is general arithmetic, not a payroll or legal determination. Gross pay is before federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare and other withholding (IRS Publication 15). Exempt status, state daily-overtime rules and bonuses that must be included in the “regular rate” can change the result.
Frequently asked questions
How is overtime calculated?
Under the FLSA, hours over 40 in a workweek are paid at no less than 1.5 times the regular rate. At 20 per hour, overtime is 30 per hour.
Can overtime be averaged over two weeks?
No. The FLSA applies to each fixed 168-hour workweek separately; 30 hours one week and 50 the next still means 10 overtime hours in the second week.
Is weekend or holiday work automatically overtime?
Not under the FLSA. Overtime depends on hours over 40 in the workweek, though an employer, contract or state law may pay more.
Does this calculate take-home pay?
No, it gives gross pay. Withholding for income tax, Social Security and Medicare depends on the employee’s W-4 and current IRS tables.
Embed this calculator
Add this free calculator to your own website. Copy the code below into your page’s HTML:
Sources
- Fact Sheet #23: Overtime Pay Requirements of the FLSA — U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division
- Wages and the Fair Labor Standards Act — U.S. Department of Labor
- Publication 15 (Circular E), Employer’s Tax Guide — U.S. Internal Revenue Service
Formulas are taken from the free public references above. Results are provided “as is” for informational and educational purposes only. See our disclaimer.
Spotted a mistake or missing option? Report a problem · GitHub issue· Suggest a calculator