For a simple hourly case, overtime pay = overtime hours × regular hourly rate × 1.5. Under the federal baseline, covered nonexempt employees generally earn overtime for hours over 40 in a fixed workweek.
01Simple hourly overtime formula
A straightforward time-and-a-half example
- Regular pay: 40 × $20$800.00
- Overtime rate: $20 × 1.5$30.00
- Overtime pay: 5 × $30$150.00
- Estimated gross pay$950.00
02Find regular and overtime hours
| Hours worked | Regular hours | Overtime hours | At $20/hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38 | 38 | 0 | $760.00 |
| 40 | 40 | 0 | $800.00 |
| 42.5 | 40 | 2.5 | $875.00 |
| 50 | 40 | 10 | $1,100.00 |
03Why “regular rate” may not equal base wage
The FLSA regular rate is an hourly rate derived from compensation that must be included for the workweek. Certain nondiscretionary bonuses, commissions, shift differentials and multiple rates can change it. A calculator that accepts only one hourly wage cannot resolve those cases.
43 hours at $10 plus a $50 nondiscretionary bonus
- Straight-time compensation$430.00
- Included compensation$480.00
- Regular rate: $480 ÷ 43$11.16
- Half-time premium: $5.58 × 3$16.74
- Total due in DOL example$496.74
This reproduces the Department of Labor's published method and rounded figures; it is not handled by the simple calculator.
04Federal baseline and common exceptions
A fixed, recurring period of 168 hours; hours generally cannot be averaged across two weeks.
Saturday, Sunday or holiday work does not create federal overtime by itself.
State law, contracts and special pay methods may require a different threshold or calculation.
Check the numbers instantly
Choose the weekly threshold and multiplier that apply to your estimate.
Common questions
Is overtime always after eight hours in a day?
Not under the general federal rule. The federal baseline is over 40 hours in a workweek, but some states and agreements add daily overtime.
Does paid time off count toward federal overtime?
The federal calculation generally turns on hours actually worked. Contractual or state rules may differ.
Is every bonus included in the regular rate?
No. The facts determine whether a payment is includable; a label such as “discretionary” is not decisive by itself.