What Does Time and a Half Mean?
Time and a half means you are paid 1.5 times your regular hourly rate for certain hours worked. This is the standard overtime rate required by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for hours worked over 40 per week.
For example, if you earn $20 per hour, time and a half = $20 x 1.5 = $30 per hour. Working 8 overtime hours at this rate earns you $240 instead of $160 — an extra $80 per week.
How to Calculate Time and a Half
The formula is simple:
Time and a Half Rate = Regular Hourly Rate x 1.5
Then multiply by the number of overtime hours:
Overtime Pay = Time and a Half Rate x Overtime Hours
Time and a Half Rate Table
| Regular Rate | Time & Half (1.5x) | Double Time (2x) | 8 hrs at 1.5x |
|---|---|---|---|
| $15/hr | $22.50 | $30.00 | $180 |
| $18/hr | $27.00 | $36.00 | $216 |
| $20/hr | $30.00 | $40.00 | $240 |
| $22/hr | $33.00 | $44.00 | $264 |
| $25/hr | $37.50 | $50.00 | $300 |
| $30/hr | $45.00 | $60.00 | $360 |
| $35/hr | $52.50 | $70.00 | $420 |
| $40/hr | $60.00 | $80.00 | $480 |
When Does Time and a Half Apply?
Under federal law, time and a half applies when non-exempt employees work more than 40 hours in a single workweek. Here are the key rules:
- Federal (FLSA): Overtime after 40 hours per week for non-exempt employees.
- California: Daily overtime after 8 hours in a single day, plus weekly overtime after 40 hours. Double time after 12 hours in a day.
- Nevada: Daily overtime after 8 hours for employees earning less than 1.5x minimum wage.
- Colorado: Daily overtime after 12 hours in a day or 12 hours in a shift.
Who Qualifies for Time and a Half?
Most hourly workers qualify, but there are exceptions:
- Non-exempt workers (most hourly employees): Must receive overtime pay.
- Exempt workers (salaried employees earning over $684/week or $35,568/year): May be exempt from overtime if they meet specific job duty tests.
- Independent contractors: Not covered by FLSA overtime provisions.
- Some seasonal workers: Certain agricultural and seasonal workers may be exempt.
Time and a Half vs. Double Time
Double time (2x) means you earn twice your regular rate. While time and a half is mandated by federal law for overtime, double time is usually a company policy or state requirement. California requires double time after 12 hours in a single workday.
How Much Extra Can You Earn?
If you regularly work overtime, the extra income adds up quickly:
- 5 hours/week at $20/hr: 5 x $10 premium x 52 weeks = $2,600/year extra
- 10 hours/week at $25/hr: 10 x $12.50 premium x 52 weeks = $6,500/year extra
- 15 hours/week at $30/hr: 15 x $15 premium x 52 weeks = $11,700/year extra
Use our Overtime Calculator to see exactly how overtime affects your total earnings, or our Pay Raise Calculator to plan your next salary increase.