Calculating Overtime Pay

According to the Department of Labor and the Fair Labor Standards Act, non-exempt employees should receive time-and-a-half pay for every hour worked over 40 in a single workweek. To calculate your overtime pay rate, simply multiply your average hourly wage by 1.5. For instance, if an employee makes $10 per hour, he or she should receive $15 for every hour worked over 40. If the employee worked 50 hours in a single workweek, his or her total overtime pay would be $150. When calculating overtime pay, non-exempt employees should also count any bonuses and comission as part of their normal weekly wages.

Overtime Hour Definitions

When you calculate overtime pay, ensure all your hours are included in the equation. An employee's total hours include all time spent doing work for the employer. Therefore, the following duties may be counted as hours worked under the Fair Labor Standards Act:

• Work finished at home
• Travel time on behalf of the company
• Time spent training or in meetings
• Meal or rest breaks lasting between five and 20 minutes
• Time spent waiting for job tasks
• Time spent receiving medical treatment on site for job-related injuries
• Time spent preparing, repairing or cleaning equipment

If, after calculating overtime wages, you find the hours spent attending to these job duties are not included in your paycheck, you may be eligible for an unpaid overtime claim. Our overtime lawyers will evaluate your claim, at no cost to you, to determine your eligibility for an overtime lawsuit. You may be able to collect various overtime damages including back pay and attorney fees.

Working extra hours without receiving overtime pay only allows your employer's illegal practices to continue. Fill out our free case review today and speak to an overtime attorney about your rights.