Time and a Half Calculator

Calculate your overtime pay quickly and accurately with our free time and a half calculator. Perfect for employees, employers, and payroll professionals.

Understanding Time and a Half Overtime

Time and a half is the standard overtime pay rate in the United States, requiring employers to pay eligible employees 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. Our calculator simplifies this calculation, but understanding the principles behind it is equally important.

Who Qualifies for Overtime Pay?

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), most hourly employees are entitled to overtime pay. Some salaried employees may also qualify depending on their job duties and earnings. The Department of Labor provides specific guidelines on who is eligible for overtime.

Real-World Application Examples

Example 1: Restaurant Worker

A server earning $12/hour works 45 hours during a busy holiday week. Their overtime pay would be calculated as:

  • Regular pay: 40 hours × $12 = $480
  • Overtime pay: 5 hours × ($12 × 1.5) = $90
  • Total pay: $480 + $90 = $570

Example 2: Retail Employee

A retail associate earning $18/hour works 38 regular hours and 6 overtime hours during inventory week:

  • Regular pay: 38 hours × $18 = $684
  • Overtime pay: 6 hours × ($18 × 1.5) = $162
  • Total pay: $684 + $162 = $846

Common Overtime Calculation Mistakes to Avoid

Based on my 15 years of experience in payroll management, these are the most common errors I see:

  • Incorrect regular rate calculation: For employees with multiple pay rates or bonuses, the regular rate must be properly weighted.
  • Misclassifying employees: Assuming salaried employees are automatically exempt from overtime.
  • State law oversights: Some states have more generous overtime laws than federal requirements.
  • Failing to include all compensation: Non-discretionary bonuses must be included in the regular rate calculation.

State-Specific Overtime Considerations

While federal law sets the baseline, several states have their own overtime regulations:

  • California: Daily overtime after 8 hours and double time after 12 hours
  • Colorado: Daily overtime after 12 hours (in addition to weekly overtime)
  • Alaska: Daily overtime after 8 hours

Always check your state’s Department of Labor website for the most current regulations.

Advanced Overtime Scenarios

For payroll professionals and business owners, these complex situations require special attention:

  • Multiple pay rates: When employees work different jobs at different rates, the regular rate is the weighted average.
  • Shift differentials: Premium pay for working undesirable shifts must be included in the regular rate.
  • Bonuses and commissions: Non-discretionary bonuses must be allocated across the workweeks they cover.
  • Fluctuating workweek: Special calculation method for salaried non-exempt employees with varying hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is overtime mandatory after 40 hours?

For non-exempt employees, yes. The FLSA requires employers to pay overtime for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. However, employers can generally control when overtime is worked and can discipline employees who work unauthorized overtime.

Can my employer average hours over two weeks to avoid overtime?

No. The FLSA calculates overtime based on a single workweek (7 consecutive days). Employers cannot average hours over two or more weeks to avoid paying overtime.

Are there exceptions to the 40-hour rule?

Yes. Certain industries have specific exemptions, including some agricultural workers, live-in domestic service employees, and employees of certain seasonal amusement or recreational establishments. Additionally, some states have different thresholds.

How is overtime calculated for tipped employees?

Tipped employees must receive at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour when direct wages and tips are combined. Overtime is calculated at 1.5 times their regular rate, which cannot be less than the minimum wage.

Take Control of Your Paycheck

Understanding your overtime rights is essential for ensuring you’re paid fairly. Use our calculator whenever you work extra hours, and don’t hesitate to speak with your HR department if you believe there’s an error in your pay. For complex situations or if you suspect wage theft, consider consulting with an employment attorney or contacting your state’s Department of Labor.

Bookmark this page for quick access to our calculator, and share it with coworkers who might benefit from understanding their overtime pay!