Question 1

How do I calculate overtime pay?

Accepted Answer

Multiply your regular hourly rate by 1.5 for standard overtime. For every hour worked over 40 in a workweek, you earn 1.5x your regular rate. Example: if you earn $20/hour and work 48 hours, you get 40 hours × $20 = $800 regular pay, plus 8 hours × $30 = $240 overtime pay, for a total of $1,040.

Question 2

Who qualifies for overtime pay?

Accepted Answer

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), non-exempt employees must receive overtime pay for hours over 40 in a workweek. Most hourly workers are non-exempt. Salaried employees earning at least $684/week who work in executive, administrative, or professional roles are generally exempt and do not receive overtime.

Question 3

What is time and a half?

Accepted Answer

Time and a half means your overtime rate is 1.5 times your regular hourly rate. If you earn $18/hour, your time-and-a-half rate is $27/hour for overtime hours. This is the federal minimum overtime rate required by the FLSA for non-exempt employees.

Question 4

Does California have different overtime rules?

Accepted Answer

Yes. California requires overtime pay for hours over 8 in a single day (not just over 40 in a week). California also mandates double time (2x) for hours over 12 in a day or for all hours on the 7th consecutive day of a workweek after 8 hours. Where state rules are more generous than federal, the state rules apply.

Question 5

Can my employer give me comp time instead of overtime pay?

Accepted Answer

In the private sector, generally no. Private employers cannot substitute compensatory time off for overtime pay for non-exempt employees under federal law. Government employers can offer comp time in some circumstances. If your private employer is offering comp time instead of overtime pay, this may be a wage violation.

Regular Rate	OT Rate (1.5×)	Double Time (2×)
$15.00/hr	$22.50/hr	$30.00/hr
$18.00/hr	$27.00/hr	$36.00/hr
$20.00/hr	$30.00/hr	$40.00/hr
$22.00/hr	$33.00/hr	$44.00/hr
$25.00/hr	$37.50/hr	$50.00/hr
$28.00/hr	$42.00/hr	$56.00/hr
$30.00/hr	$45.00/hr	$60.00/hr
$35.00/hr	$52.50/hr	$70.00/hr
$40.00/hr	$60.00/hr	$80.00/hr
$50.00/hr	$75.00/hr	$100.00/hr

Overtime Pay Calculator

Federal OT Rules

Overtime Quick Reference

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