What is time and a half? Time and a half is pay at 1.5 times your regular hourly rate. Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), non-exempt employees must get at least time and a half for every hour worked over 40 in a workweek. If you normally earn $20 an hour, time and a half is $30 an hour.
What does time and a half mean at work?
“Time and a half” is everyday shorthand for the standard overtime rate. You’ll see it on schedules, pay stubs and in conversations like “Saturday shifts pay time and a half.”
Under federal law, overtime is based on hours in a workweek, a fixed, recurring seven-day period your employer sets. It is not based on weekends or holidays as such. Working on a Saturday doesn’t automatically mean overtime unless you go over 40 hours that week, or your employer or state rules say otherwise.
Some states add their own rules. For example, a few states, such as California, require overtime for hours over 8 in a single day. Employers can also choose to pay more generous overtime than the law requires.
Who gets time and a half?
- Non-exempt employees under the FLSA, whether paid hourly or by salary.
- Not usually exempt employees, such as many managers and professionals who meet the salary and duties tests. See overtime exempt.
- Not independent contractors, who aren’t covered by FLSA overtime.
How to calculate time and a half
Step 1: find your regular rate. For a simple hourly job, it’s your hourly wage. For overtime purposes, the regular rate can also include things like non-discretionary bonuses and shift differentials.
Step 2: multiply the regular rate by 1.5.
Step 3: multiply by the number of overtime hours.
Example: Jordan earns $22 an hour and worked 46 hours this week.
- Regular pay: 40 × $22 = $880
- Overtime rate: $22 × 1.5 = $33
- Overtime pay: 6 × $33 = $198
- Total gross pay: $1,078
Examples of time and a half in emails and messages
Manager Slack: “We need two volunteers for Saturday inventory. Anyone over 40 hours gets time and a half.”
Pay stub line: “OT 1.5 – 6.00 hrs – $33.00 – $198.00”
HR email: “Reminder: all overtime must be approved in advance, but approved or not, non-exempt hours over 40 are paid at time and a half.”
Time and a half vs double time vs comp time
| Term | Rate | Required by federal law? |
|---|---|---|
| Time and a half | 1.5× regular rate | Yes, for non-exempt hours over 40 a week |
| Double time | 2× regular rate | No; some states, contracts or employer policies |
| Comp time | Paid time off instead of cash | Generally allowed for public employers only |
How to handle time and a half correctly
- Record every hour you work. Off-the-clock work, like answering emails, usually counts for non-exempt workers.
- Know your workweek. Ask payroll which day it starts.
- Check your stub. Overtime hours and rate should appear as a separate line.
- Follow approval rules. Employers can require approval, but unapproved overtime that was worked still generally must be paid.
- Check state law. Daily overtime and other rules may give you more.
Related terms
See more in our Payroll and Tax hub.
FAQ
How do you calculate time and a half?
Multiply your regular hourly rate by 1.5, then multiply by your overtime hours. At $20 an hour, time and a half is $30 an hour.
Is weekend work automatically time and a half?
Not under federal law. Overtime is based on hours over 40 in a workweek. Some employers or contracts pay premiums for weekends anyway.
Do salaried employees get time and a half?
Salaried non-exempt employees do. Salaried exempt employees generally do not.
Is holiday pay time and a half?
Federal law does not require extra pay for holidays. Many employers offer it as a benefit, so check your policy.
Does time and a half include bonuses?
Often, yes. Non-discretionary bonuses and some premiums are included in the regular rate used to calculate overtime.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Labor: Overtime Pay
- U.S. Department of Labor: Fact Sheet #23, Overtime Pay Requirements of the FLSA
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Check with a qualified professional for your situation.
