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Regular-Rate Overtime Calculator
Federal law requires overtime to be paid on your true "regular rate" for the week — not just your base hourly wage. Non-discretionary bonuses and commissions must be blended in first. This calculator follows the exact U.S. Department of Labor method.
Example: $20/hr, 45 hours worked, plus a $50 bonus — the true regular rate is $21.11/hr, so total pay for the week is $1,002.78, not the $950 you'd get from base rate alone.
What can change the math
- Only non-discretionary bonuses and commissions count — a true surprise bonus (like a holiday gift with no formula behind it) is excluded from the regular rate.
- Some states (California, for example) require daily overtime after 8 hours, not just weekly overtime after 40. This calculator applies the federal 40-hour rule only — check your state labor department for stricter local rules.
- Tips and most expense reimbursements are excluded from the regular-rate calculation.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the FLSA 'regular rate' and how is it different from my hourly wage?
Your regular rate is your total straight-time pay for the week — hourly wages plus non-discretionary bonuses or commissions — divided by total hours worked. It's often higher than your base hourly rate, and it's the number overtime pay must legally be based on, per 29 CFR 778.
Do bonuses and commissions count when calculating overtime pay?
Yes — non-discretionary bonuses and commissions (tied to performance, production, attendance, or a formula known in advance) must be included in the regular rate. Discretionary bonuses, which the employer decides on with no prior promise or formula, are excluded.
What if my state has different overtime rules than federal law?
Some states require daily overtime (for example, California after 8 hours in a day) or apply a lower weekly threshold than 40 hours. This calculator applies the federal FLSA 40-hour rule — always check your state labor department for rules that may be stricter than federal law.