How overtime works in the United States
The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA §7) requires overtime at 1.5× the regular rate for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. There is no federal daily overtime — only the weekly threshold.
Some states add their own, more protective rules on top:
- California: daily overtime — 1.5× after 8 hours in a day (and for the first 8 hours on the 7th consecutive workday), and 2× (double time) after 12 hours in a day (Labor Code §510).
- Alaska: 1.5× after 8 hours in a day or 40 in a week.
- Nevada: 1.5× after 8 hours in a day for employees earning less than 1.5× the state minimum wage.
- Colorado: 1.5× after 12 hours in a day, 40 in a week, or 12 consecutive hours.
- Most other states: follow the federal weekly-40 rule.
Overtime pay = hourly rate × 1.5 × overtime hours (plus rate × 2 × any California double-time hours).
FAQ
- What is time-and-a-half?
- 1.5× your regular hourly rate — the federal overtime rate for hours over 40 a week.
- Who gets overtime?
- Non-exempt employees (most hourly workers). Certain salaried roles are exempt under FLSA rules.
- What is double time?
- 2× your rate. Federal law never requires it; California does after 12 hours in a day (and after 8 hours on the 7th consecutive workday).
- Is the result net?
- No — it's gross, before taxes and deductions.
Sources: FLSA, 29 U.S.C. §207; California Labor Code §510; state labor departments.