Question 1

How is 'Time and a Half' calculated for overtime?

Accepted Answer

Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), time and a half is calculated by multiplying your regular base hourly rate by 1.5. For example, if your standard wage is $20.00 per hour, your overtime rate is $20.00 × 1.5 = $30.00 per hour for every hour worked beyond 40 in a single workweek.

Question 2

How does California's overtime and double-time law work?

Accepted Answer

California has some of the most protective overtime laws in the US. Non-exempt employees earn 1.5x pay for any hours worked beyond 8 hours up to 12 hours in a single workday, and 2.0x (double time) for all hours worked beyond 12 hours in a single workday. Additionally, working 7 consecutive days entitles you to 1.5x for the first 8 hours and 2.0x after 8 hours.

Question 3

Is overtime pay taxed higher than regular pay?

Accepted Answer

No, overtime pay is not taxed at a different overall tax rate. However, because overtime increases your total gross earnings for that pay period, your employer's automated payroll system may temporarily withhold taxes at a higher marginal bracket. When you file your annual tax return (Form 1040), any excess withholding is refunded.

Question 4

Who is exempt from receiving overtime pay under the FLSA?

Accepted Answer

Exempt employees generally include salaried professionals, executives, administrative personnel, outside sales staff, and certain computer professionals who earn above the federal salary threshold ($844/week or $43,888/year under current rules). Hourly non-exempt workers are legally entitled to overtime pay.

Question 5

Can my employer give me 'Comp Time' instead of paying overtime?

Accepted Answer

In the private sector, federal law prohibits employers from offering compensatory time off (comp time) in lieu of paying cash overtime to non-exempt employees. Comp time is only permissible for certain public sector and government employees under specific agreements.

Jurisdiction	Overtime Threshold	Overtime Pay Rate	Key Legal Provisions
Federal Standard (FLSA)	Over 40 hrs / week	1.5x regular pay	Applies to most US non-exempt employees in all states without stricter state laws.
California	Over 8 hrs / day OR 40 hrs / week	1.5x (8-12h), 2.0x (>12h)	Also requires 1.5x for first 8 hours on the 7th consecutive workday, and 2.0x thereafter.
Colorado	Over 12 hrs / day OR 40 hrs / week	1.5x regular pay	Whichever threshold results in the greater payment to the employee applies.
Alaska	Over 8 hrs / day OR 40 hrs / week	1.5x regular pay	Applies to employers with 4 or more employees.
Nevada	Over 8 hrs / day (if wage < 1.5x min wage)	1.5x regular pay	Daily overtime applies only if the employee earns less than 1.5 times the state minimum wage.

US Overtime & Paycheck Calculator

Common Overtime Pay Scenarios

Warehouse Associate

Hospital Nurse (RN)

Commercial Electrician

US Overtime Rules by Jurisdiction

US State Overtime & Minimum Wage Rules

Frequently Asked Questions