Calculate your overtime pay
Reverse: hours needed for a target paycheck
Want a specific weekly total? Enter your rate and target — we'll tell you how many OT hours it takes.
Overtime rates (US, 2026)
| Situation | Rate |
|---|---|
| Hours over 40/week (federal FLSA) | 1.5x — time and a half |
| California: over 8 hours in a day | 1.5x — daily threshold |
| California: over 12 hours in a day | 2x — double time |
| California: 7th consecutive workday | 1.5x (first 8h), 2x after |
Federal baseline: U.S. Department of Labor — Overtime Pay. State rules vary; California's are the strictest most workers encounter.
Overtime questions, answered straight
Who actually qualifies for overtime?
Non-exempt employees under the FLSA — generally hourly workers. Salaried workers can be exempt if they meet specific duty and salary tests (executive, administrative, professional). Being salaried alone doesn't disqualify you; the job duties decide.
Is overtime calculated daily or weekly?
Federal law uses the workweek: hours over 40. But some states add daily rules — California pays 1.5x after 8 hours in a day and 2x after 12. Your state may be stricter than federal law, never looser.
Do bonuses count toward my overtime rate?
Often yes — non-discretionary bonuses (production bonuses, shift differentials, commissions) must be included in your "regular rate" before the 1.5x multiplier is applied. Many employers get this wrong.
What's this about no tax on overtime?
A federal overtime tax deduction got a lot of attention in 2025–2026. Tax law changes fast and the details matter — check current IRS guidance or a tax pro before assuming anything about your return.
Can my employer just give comp time instead?
Private-sector employers generally cannot substitute comp time for overtime pay — that's mostly a public-sector option. If your boss offers "time off instead of OT pay," that's a red flag in most private jobs.
General information only, not legal or tax advice. Overtime rules vary by state and job classification. Consult the Department of Labor or an employment attorney about your situation.