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⏰ Overtime Calculator

Calculate overtime costs correctly — because getting it wrong is expensive.

Federal vs State OT Rules​

Federal (FLSA):

  • Overtime after 40 hours/week
  • 1.5x regular rate

California (stricter):

  • Daily OT after 8 hours/day (1.5x)
  • Double time after 12 hours/day (2x)
  • 7th consecutive day: first 8 hours at 1.5x, after 8 hours at 2x
  • Weekly OT after 40 hours still applies

Other states with daily OT:

  • Alaska (after 8 hours)
  • Nevada (after 8 hours)
  • Colorado (after 12 hours)

Quick Formulas​

Federal OT (Most States)​

Weekly OT Hours = Total Hours - 40
OT Cost = OT Hours × (Hourly Rate × 1.5)

California OT​

Daily OT (1.5x) = Hours 8-12 each day
Daily DT (2x) = Hours over 12 each day
Weekly OT = Hours over 40 (not already counted as daily OT)

Example Calculations​

Federal Example​

Employee works 50 hours in a week at $30/hour:

  • Regular: 40 × $30 = $1,200
  • OT: 10 × $45 = $450
  • Total: $1,650

California Example​

Employee works Mon-Fri, 10 hours each day at $30/hour:

  • Regular: 8 × 5 = 40 hours × $30 = $1,200
  • Daily OT: 2 × 5 = 10 hours × $45 = $450
  • Total: $1,650

Same hours, same result — but calculation method matters for compliance!

Common Mistakes​

1. Forgetting California Daily OT​

A 4×10 schedule in California triggers daily OT even though weekly hours are only 40.

2. Averaging Hours Across Weeks​

You cannot average 30 hours one week and 50 the next to avoid OT. Each week stands alone.

3. Wrong "Regular Rate" for Salaried​

For salaried employees eligible for OT, the regular rate includes bonuses and commissions.

4. Misclassifying Employees​

Not every "supervisor" is exempt. Review duties, not just titles.

Burden on OT Hours​

Don't forget: your labor burden applies to OT wages too.

ComponentApplies to OT?
FICAYes (7.65%)
FUTAYes (up to wage base)
SUTAYes (up to wage base)
Workers' CompYes
GL InsuranceYes
Benefits (health)No (fixed cost)

Fully burdened OT rate = OT wage × (1 + applicable burden %)

Prevailing Wage OT​

On public works projects:

  • OT rates are specified in wage determination
  • Usually 1.5x the prevailing rate (not your normal rate)
  • Check the wage determination — some have different OT calculations

Interactive Calculator​