Overtime pay calculator
Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, non-exempt employees get at least 1.5 times their regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek. Enter the hours and rate; the calculator splits regular and overtime pay. Some states add daily overtime rules, which this calculator does not apply.
How it is calculated
| Step | Formula | Example (46 h at $16.00) |
|---|---|---|
| Regular hours | min(hours, 40) | 40 |
| Overtime hours | hours − 40, if above 40 | 6 |
| Regular pay | regular hours × rate | 40 × $16.00 = $640.00 |
| Overtime pay | overtime hours × rate × 1.5 | 6 × $24.00 = $144.00 |
| Total | regular + overtime | $784.00 |
The FLSA workweek is a fixed, recurring 168-hour period; hours are not averaged across two weeks (US DOL, Overtime Pay).
For state rules see state labor laws.
This is general information, not legal advice. Check your state labor department for current rules.
Questions
When is overtime required under federal law?
For non-exempt employees, hours worked over 40 in a workweek must be paid at least 1.5 times the regular rate (US DOL, Overtime Pay).
Can I average hours over two weeks to avoid overtime?
No. The DOL says each workweek stands alone; 46 hours one week and 34 the next still means 6 overtime hours in the first week.
Sources
- US DOL, Overtime Pay (FLSA) (checked 2026-11-12)
- US DOL Fact Sheet #23: Overtime Pay Requirements of the FLSA (checked 2026-11-12)