Overtime Pay Calculator
Calculate your overtime pay based on federal FLSA rules and state-specific overtime laws.
Employment Details
Total Weekly Pay
$1,375
$71,500/year · $5,958/month
Regular (40 hrs)
$1,000
OT 1.5x (10 hrs)
$375
OT Premium
$125
Pay Breakdown
Overtime Rule: CA
OT after 8 hrs/day, double time after 12 hrs/day and on 7th consecutive day
Disclaimer
- Based on 2026 FLSA salary threshold (projected).
- Exempt status requires meeting both salary AND duties tests.
- Some industries (healthcare, transportation) have special OT rules.
- Contact your state labor department for specific regulations.
How Overtime Pay Works in the United States
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), non-exempt employees must receive overtime pay at 1.5 times their regular rate for all hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. Some states have additional rules — California, for example, requires daily overtime (1.5x after 8 hours, 2x after 12 hours in a single day). Alaska, Colorado, and Nevada also have daily overtime thresholds.
Exempt vs Non-Exempt: Who Gets Overtime?
Not all employees qualify for overtime. To be classified as "exempt" (not entitled to OT), an employee must meet both tests:
| Test | Requirement (2026) |
|---|---|
| Salary threshold | $58,656/year ($1,128/week) — projected 2026 FLSA threshold |
| Duties test | Must perform executive, administrative, professional, computer, or outside sales duties |
Both conditions must be met. A salaried employee earning $50,000/year is non-exempt regardless of job title because they fall below the salary threshold. Employers who misclassify employees as exempt face significant penalties and back-pay liability.
State-Specific Overtime Rules
While federal law uses a 40-hour weekly threshold, some states provide additional protections:
| State | OT Rule |
|---|---|
| California | Daily OT after 8 hours (1.5x), double-time after 12 hours, 7th consecutive day |
| Alaska | Daily OT after 8 hours |
| Colorado | Daily OT after 12 hours |
| Nevada | Daily OT after 8 hours if rate < 1.5× minimum wage |
| All other states | Federal 40-hour weekly rule |
Calculating Overtime for Salaried Workers
For non-exempt salaried workers, divide the annual salary by 52 weeks, then by 40 hours to get the regular hourly rate. Overtime is 1.5x that hourly rate. Example: $52,000 salary = $25/hour regular rate = $37.50/hour overtime. If the employee works 50 hours, weekly pay is $1,000 regular + $375 overtime = $1,375.
DOL — Overtime Pay→Frequently Asked Questions
Can my employer require mandatory overtime?
In most states, yes — employers can require overtime as long as they pay the proper overtime rate. Refusing mandatory overtime can be grounds for termination in at-will employment states. Some unionized workplaces have negotiated overtime limits in their contracts.
Is comp time legal instead of overtime pay?
For private-sector employees, no. The FLSA requires overtime to be paid in cash wages, not compensatory time off. Public-sector (government) employees can receive comp time at a rate of 1.5 hours for each overtime hour worked.
What if my employer doesn't pay overtime?
You can file a complaint with the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division or your state labor department. Employers who violate FLSA face back pay for up to 3 years of unpaid overtime plus an equal amount in liquidated damages. Many wage-and-hour attorneys work on contingency.
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