Overtime Rate Calculator (1.5x)
How to Calculate Overtime Rate 1.5
Calculating overtime pay correctly is essential for both employers and employees to ensure compliance with labor laws. In many jurisdictions, including under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in the United States, non-exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay at a rate of not less than one and one-half times their regular rate of pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. This is commonly referred to as "time and a half."
The standard overtime multiplier is 1.5. This means that for every hour of overtime worked, the employee earns their standard wage plus an additional 50% of that wage.
The Overtime Formula
To calculate the overtime rate manually, follow these simple mathematical steps:
Once you have the overtime rate, you can determine total pay for a week with overtime hours using this comprehensive formula:
Example Calculation
Let's look at a practical example to clarify how to calculate overtime rate 1.5:
- Regular Pay Rate: $20.00 per hour
- Total Hours Worked: 50 hours in one week
- Standard Workweek: 40 hours
Step 1: Calculate the Overtime Rate
$20.00 × 1.5 = $30.00 per hour (This is the overtime rate).
Step 2: Separate Regular and Overtime Hours
Regular Hours: 40 hours
Overtime Hours: 50 – 40 = 10 hours
Step 3: Calculate Pay for Each Segment
Regular Pay: 40 hours × $20.00 = $800.00
Overtime Pay: 10 hours × $30.00 = $300.00
Step 4: Total Gross Pay
$800.00 + $300.00 = $1,100.00
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 1.5 multiplier apply to bonuses?
In many cases, non-discretionary bonuses must be included in the "regular rate of pay" calculation before applying the 1.5 multiplier. This can make the calculation more complex, as the base rate increases when bonuses are factored in.
Is overtime calculated daily or weekly?
Under federal US law, overtime is calculated based on a workweek (typically 40 hours), not by the day. However, some states (like California) have laws requiring overtime pay for hours worked beyond 8 hours in a single day, regardless of the weekly total.
What happens if I work on a holiday?
Federal law does not require extra pay for weekend or holiday work unless overtime hours are accrued on those days. However, many private employers offer "double time" or special holiday rates as a company policy.