US Overtime: The Federal 1.5× Rule, Explained
October 23, 2026
Per the Fair Labor Standards Act (29 U.S.C. §207, via DOL Fact Sheet #23), covered, non-exempt US employees must be paid at least 1.5 times their regular rate of pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek — the baseline federal overtime rule that applies nationwide.
Skip the math and get your answer instantly:
Open the Overtime Calculator →Worked Example
An employee earning $24/hour works 46 hours in one workweek.
- Regular pay: 40 × $24 = $960
- Overtime pay: 6 × ($24 × 1.5) = 6 × $36 = $216
- Total pay for the week: $960 + $216 = $1,176
What 'Regular Rate' Actually Means
The regular rate used for this calculation isn't always just the base hourly wage — it can include certain bonuses and shift differentials, which is covered in more detail in a dedicated article elsewhere in this series.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the federal overtime rate in the US?
1.5 times the regular rate of pay for hours over 40 in a workweek, per the FLSA.
What's the overtime pay for 6 extra hours at a $24/hour regular rate?
$216 (6 hours × $36 overtime rate).
Does this rule apply in every state?
Yes — this is the federal baseline that applies nationwide, though some states have additional rules on top of it.
Is the 'regular rate' always just the base hourly wage?
Not always — it can include certain bonuses and shift differentials; see the dedicated article on this elsewhere in this series.