How overtime pay works
Federal law (the Fair Labor Standards Act) requires overtime pay of at least 1.5× your regular hourly rate for every hour worked over 40 in a single week. Your first 40 hours are paid at your normal rate; every hour after that is paid at the higher rate — not your whole week. This calculator models that weekly rule only. It doesn't model daily-overtime rules that some states apply on top of the federal rule, or double-time, which isn't a federal requirement at all — see the disclosure below for what that means for your own paycheck.
Frequently asked questions
How is overtime pay calculated?
Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), hours worked over 40 in a single week are paid at 1.5× your regular hourly rate. Regular pay covers the first 40 hours; overtime pay covers everything after that, at the higher rate.
What is time and a half on $20 an hour?
1.5 × $20 = $30/hour for every hour worked past 40 in a week. Enter your own rate above for the exact figure.
Does this include daily overtime rules?
No — this calculator models federal FLSA weekly overtime only (hours over 40/week). Some states have their own daily-overtime rules (for example, hours over 8 in a single day), which aren't modeled here. Check your state's labor office for rules that may apply to you.
Is overtime pay the same as double time?
No. Overtime under FLSA is 1.5× your regular rate. 'Double time' (2×) isn't a federal requirement — it only applies where a specific state law or employer policy sets it, which this calculator doesn't model.
Model assumptions & disclosures
Gross pay only — not take-home pay. Every figure this converter shows is gross (pre-tax) pay. It never computes federal or state withholding, FICA, or any other deduction — your actual take-home pay will be lower, and by how much depends on your tax bracket, filing status, benefits elections, and state, none of which are modeled here.
A standard schedule, not your specific one. The default 40-hour week and 52-week year (2,080 hours/year) is the common full-time annualization basis — enter your own scheduled hours if yours differs. Paid time off, unpaid leave, and irregular schedules aren't modeled separately.
Overtime models FLSA weekly rules only. Hours over 40 in a week are shown at 1.5× the base rate. Daily-overtime rules that some states apply (for example, hours over 8 in a single day) are not modeled — check your state's specific rules if they may apply to you.
Not financial or legal advice. This calculator provides illustrative estimates based on the inputs you enter. Consult your employer's HR team, a tax professional, or your state labor office before making decisions based on these figures.