How overtime pay is calculated
Overtime pay is your normal hourly rate multiplied by an overtime rate — most often time-and-a-half, which is 1.5 times your usual pay. So at $20 an hour, every overtime hour is worth $30. The calculator multiplies your overtime hours by that boosted rate, adds your regular pay, and gives you the total. The part people forget is that overtime only applies to the hours past the threshold, not your whole week — your first 40 hours are still paid at the normal rate.
Time-and-a-half and double-time at common rates
If you just want to know your overtime hourly rate, here it is for a few common wages:
| Hourly pay | Time and a half (1.5×) | Double time (2×) |
|---|---|---|
| $15 | $22.50 | $30.00 |
| $18 | $27.00 | $36.00 |
| $20 | $30.00 | $40.00 |
| $25 | $37.50 | $50.00 |
| $30 | $45.00 | $60.00 |
Time and a half vs double time
Time and a half (1.5×) is the standard overtime rate under U.S. federal law for hours past 40 in a week. Double time (2×) and triple time (3×) aren't required federally — they're paid by some employers and union contracts for holidays, Sundays, or unusually long shifts. California is the notable exception, requiring double time once a shift passes 12 hours in a day. Switch the rate in the tool to match whatever applies to you.
Who actually gets overtime
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, overtime is owed to "non-exempt" employees — generally hourly workers — for hours worked beyond 40 in a single workweek. Many salaried employees are "exempt" and don't get overtime, though that depends on their duties and salary level, not just the fact that they're salaried. A few states use a daily threshold instead of (or on top of) the weekly one: California pays overtime past 8 hours in a day, for example. Enter however many overtime hours apply to you and the math is the same either way.
The "overtime is taxed more" myth
A common belief is that overtime is taxed at a higher rate. It isn't. Overtime is taxed exactly like the rest of your income. What people notice is that a bigger paycheck can have more tax withheld up front, because withholding tables assume that higher amount is your normal pay — but it evens out when you file, and you're never worse off for working overtime.
A worked example
Say you earn $22 an hour and work 46 hours in a week. Your first 40 hours pay $880 at the regular rate. The 6 overtime hours are paid at $33 each (that's $22 × 1.5), adding $198. Your gross for the week is $1,078 — and the overtime alone added nearly $200.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate time and a half?
Multiply your hourly rate by 1.5 to get the time-and-a-half rate, then multiply that by your overtime hours. The calculator does both steps for you.
Is overtime taxed at a higher rate?
No. Overtime is taxed the same as your regular pay. A larger paycheck may have more withheld temporarily, but that balances out at tax time.
Do salaried employees get overtime?
Some do. It depends on whether the role is classified as exempt or non-exempt under federal rules, which turns on job duties and salary level — not simply on being paid a salary.
When does double time apply?
Federal law doesn't require double time; it's set by employers, contracts, or specific state rules (such as California's for very long shifts). Use the rate selector to match your situation.
Is overtime calculated before or after tax?
This tool shows gross overtime pay, before tax. Your take-home will be lower after deductions.
How much is overtime for $20 an hour?
At $20 an hour, time-and-a-half overtime is $30 per hour and double time is $40 per hour. Five overtime hours at time-and-a-half would add $150.
Is overtime after 8 hours or 40 hours?
Under federal law it's after 40 hours in a week. A few states add a daily rule — California, for instance, pays overtime once you work more than 8 hours in a single day.
How do you calculate overtime for hours over 40?
Only the hours past 40 get the overtime rate. Multiply those hours by your rate times 1.5, then add your regular pay for the first 40.
Do you get overtime pay on holidays?
Federal law doesn't require extra pay just for working a holiday. Holiday or double-time pay is set by your employer or union contract, so check your own policy.
Is overtime mandatory?
Employers can generally require you to work overtime, but they must pay the overtime premium for it. Refusing can have consequences, so it's worth knowing your workplace rules.
What is the overtime rate for minimum wage?
It's 1.5 times the applicable minimum wage. So where minimum wage is $15, overtime is $22.50 an hour.