The rule: Employment Act, Part IV
Under the Employment Act (Part IV), overtime pay applies to workmen earning up to $4,500 and non-workmen earning up to $2,600 a month. For these employees, work beyond 44 hours a week (or 8 hours a day) is overtime, paid at 1.5x (150%) of the hourly basic rate. The hourly basic rate for overtime is calculated as (12 × monthly basic salary) ÷ (52 × 44). Overtime is capped at 72 hours per month.
Overtime rate table
| Ordinary hour (up to 44/week) | 1.0x |
| Overtime (beyond 44/week or 8/day) | 1.5x (150%) |
| Monthly overtime cap | 72 hours |
Worked example
If your hourly basic rate is $10.00, two overtime hours = 2 × $10.00 × 1.5 = $30.00. Rest-day and public-holiday work is paid under separate Employment Act rules (extra day's pay), not the 1.5x overtime multiplier.
Limits, exemptions and who to contact
Employees above the salary caps, and managers/executives, are not covered by Part IV overtime rules — their overtime depends on the contract. Disputes go to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) or the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM).
- Who is entitled to overtime pay in Singapore?
- Workmen earning up to $4,500/month and non-workmen up to $2,600/month, under Part IV of the Employment Act.
- What is the overtime rate?
- 1.5x the hourly basic rate for work beyond 44 hours a week or 8 hours a day.
- Is there a cap?
- Yes — a maximum of 72 overtime hours per month.
- What if I earn above the cap?
- Part IV does not apply; your overtime is governed by your employment contract.