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Understanding Overtime Pay
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), non-exempt employees must receive overtime pay of at least 1.5 times their regular rate for any hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. Some states have additional daily overtime rules (e.g., California requires overtime after 8 hours in a single day). This calculator uses the standard 40-hour weekly threshold by default.
How to Track Your Work Hours
Accurate time tracking is essential for correct paycheck calculations. Record your start time, end time, and any break periods for each workday. Round to the nearest quarter hour if your employer uses that system. Keep personal records even if your employer uses a time clock to verify your paychecks and resolve any disputes.
Weekly Pay Calculation
Weekly gross pay is calculated by adding regular pay and overtime pay. Regular pay covers hours up to the overtime threshold at your standard rate. Overtime pay applies to hours exceeding the threshold at 1.5x your rate. For example, 45 hours at $25/hr = (40 x $25) + (5 x $37.50) = $1,000 + $187.50 = $1,187.50.
Frequently Asked Questions
Under federal law, overtime is 1.5 times your regular hourly rate for hours exceeding 40 in a workweek. If you earn $25/hour, your overtime rate is $37.50/hour. Some employers offer double-time (2x) for holidays or excessive hours, but this is not federally required.
No. The FLSA exempts certain salaried employees from overtime requirements, including executive, administrative, and professional employees who meet specific salary and duties tests. Exempt employees must earn at least $684 per week ($35,568 annually) as of 2024.
This calculator shows gross pay before taxes and deductions. Your actual take-home pay will be lower after federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), and any voluntary deductions like health insurance or retirement contributions.
Hours worked includes all time you are required to be on the employer's premises, on duty, or at a prescribed workplace. It includes short breaks (under 20 minutes), required training, and travel between job sites. It generally excludes meal periods of 30+ minutes and normal home-to-work commuting.