What is time and a half?

Time and a half is a pay rate of 1.5× the employee's regular hourly rate for overtime hours. Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), non-exempt employees who work more than 40 hours in a workweek must be paid at least 1.5× their regular rate for every hour over 40.

How do you calculate time and a half?

Multiply the regular hourly rate by 1.5 to get the overtime rate, then multiply by the number of overtime hours. For example, at $20/hr: overtime rate = $20 × 1.5 = $30/hr. For 5 overtime hours: $30 × 5 = $150 in overtime pay.

When does time and a half apply?

Under the FLSA, overtime pay at 1.5× is required for non-exempt employees working more than 40 hours in a single workweek. Some states (like California) also require daily overtime — 1.5× for hours over 8 in a day, and double time for hours over 12 in a day.

What is double time pay?

Double time is pay at 2× the regular hourly rate. It is not required by federal law but is mandated in California for hours over 12 in a workday or for the 7th consecutive day in a workweek. Many union contracts and employer policies also provide double time as an incentive.

Is overtime pay required by law?

Yes, under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), most US employers must pay non-exempt employees at least 1.5× their regular rate for hours over 40 per workweek. Exempt employees (salaried workers in executive, administrative, or professional roles above the salary threshold) are not entitled to overtime pay.

How do I calculate overtime for salaried employees?

For non-exempt salaried employees, divide the weekly salary by 40 to find the regular hourly rate, then apply the 1.5× multiplier to overtime hours. For example, a $800/week salary = $20/hr regular rate, so overtime is $30/hr. Salaried employees classified as exempt under FLSA are not entitled to overtime.

When am I entitled to overtime pay?

Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), non-exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay at 1.5× their regular rate for all hours worked over 40 in a single workweek. There is no federal requirement for daily overtime — working 10 hours in a day does not trigger overtime unless you exceed 40 hours in the week. Exceptions: California requires daily overtime after 8 hours, and double time after 12 hours or on the 7th consecutive workday in a week.

Is overtime required for salaried employees?

It depends on the salary level and job duties. Salaried employees earning at least $684 per week ($35,568 annually as of 2020) who meet the "duties test" for executive, administrative, or professional roles are classified as exempt — they receive no overtime regardless of hours worked. Salaried employees below this threshold, or those whose duties do not qualify, are non-exempt and must receive overtime. Note: the salary threshold is subject to regulatory updates; verify current rules with the DOL.

Which states require daily overtime beyond federal law?

California is the most notable: daily overtime at 1.5× kicks in after 8 hours in a workday, and double time kicks in after 12 hours. The 7th consecutive workday in a workweek also triggers overtime. Nevada requires daily overtime after 8 hours for employees earning less than 1.5 times the minimum wage. Alaska requires overtime after 8 hours in a day for most employees. All other states follow federal FLSA rules — weekly overtime only — unless a specific state law or union contract provides more protection.

Time and a Half Calculator

Calculates regular pay, overtime pay, and total pay at 1.5× or 2× your hourly rate.

How to Use This Time and a Half Calculator

The time and a half calculator on this page computes regular pay, overtime pay at 1.5×, and double time pay from your hourly rate and hours worked. Enter your hourly rate, regular hours, and overtime hours, then select whether overtime is paid at 1.5× or 2×. The result shows total pay and your blended effective hourly rate. For tracking daily hours before calculating pay, use our time card calculator.

How to Calculate Time and a Half Pay

Time and a half pay is calculated using a simple formula:

Time and a Half Formula

Overtime Rate = Hourly Rate × 1.5
Regular Pay = Regular Hours × Hourly Rate
Overtime Pay = Overtime Hours × Overtime Rate
Total Pay = Regular Pay + Overtime Pay

Example: $18/hr, 40 regular hours, 5 overtime hours

Overtime rate: $18 × 1.5 = $27.00/hr
Regular pay: 40 × $18 = $720.00
Overtime pay: 5 × $27 = $135.00
Total pay: $720 + $135 = $855.00

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Time and a Half Pay Chart by Hourly Rate

Common overtime rates at 1.5× for reference:

$15/hr → Overtime rate: $22.50/hr
$18/hr → Overtime rate: $27.00/hr
$20/hr → Overtime rate: $30.00/hr
$25/hr → Overtime rate: $37.50/hr
$30/hr → Overtime rate: $45.00/hr
$35/hr → Overtime rate: $52.50/hr
$40/hr → Overtime rate: $60.00/hr
$50/hr → Overtime rate: $75.00/hr

For double time rates, simply double your regular hourly rate.

Federal Overtime Law (FLSA)

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires employers to pay non-exempt employees at least 1.5× their regular rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. The law does not require overtime pay for hours over 8 in a day — that is a state-level rule in some states like California.

Who Is Exempt from Overtime?

Employees classified as exempt under FLSA are not entitled to overtime pay. Exemptions generally apply to executive, administrative, and professional employees who earn above the salary threshold (currently $684/week as of 2020) and meet specific duties tests. Most hourly workers are non-exempt and entitled to overtime.

California Overtime Rules

California has additional overtime rules beyond federal law. In California, employees earn:

1.5× pay for hours over 8 in a workday (daily overtime)
1.5× pay for the first 8 hours on the 7th consecutive workday
2× pay (double time) for hours over 12 in a workday
2× pay (double time) for hours over 8 on the 7th consecutive workday

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Effective Hourly Rate vs. Overtime Rate

The overtime rate is what you are paid per overtime hour (e.g., $30/hr at 1.5×). The effective hourly rate is your total pay divided by total hours — this blended rate is lower than the overtime rate because most of your hours are paid at the regular rate. For example, $855 total pay ÷ 45 total hours = $19.00/hr effective rate, even though overtime was paid at $27/hr. For workforce planning and staffing decisions, our full-time equivalent calculator converts part-time and overtime hours into FTE headcount figures used in HR and budgeting.

Sources & References

Fair Labor Standards Act Overtime Pay Requirements — U.S. Department of Labor
Overtime Pay — Wage and Hour Division — U.S. Department of Labor