What Is Time and a Half?
Time and a half means you are paid 1.5 times your regular hourly rate for certain hours worked. This typically applies to overtime hours (over 40 per week), holidays, or weekends, depending on your employer and state laws.
For example, if you earn $20/hour, time and a half = $20 x 1.5 = $30/hour. Working 8 hours at time and a half earns you $240 instead of $160 — an extra $80.
Time and a Half Rate Table
| Regular Rate | Time & Half (1.5x) | Double Time (2x) | 8hrs at 1.5x |
|---|---|---|---|
| $15/hr | $22.50 | $30.00 | $180 |
| $18/hr | $27.00 | $36.00 | $216 |
| $20/hr | $30.00 | $40.00 | $240 |
| $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?
- Federal law (FLSA): After 40 hours per week for non-exempt employees.
- California: After 8 hours per day AND after 40 hours per week.
- Holidays: Federal law does not require holiday premium pay, but many employers offer it voluntarily.
- Weekends: No federal requirement unless weekend hours push weekly total over 40.
Time and a Half vs. Double Time
Double time (2x) is 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-specific requirement. California requires double time after 12 hours in a single day.
How to Calculate Your Annual Overtime Earnings
If you regularly work overtime, calculate your annual overtime premium: (OT hours per week) x (OT rate - regular rate) x 52 weeks. Example: 5 hours/week at $20/hr = 5 x $10 x 52 = $2,600 extra per year.
Use our Overtime Calculator for a more complete breakdown including regular pay, or our Pay Raise Calculator to see how a raise affects your total income.
Overtime Scenarios- Holiday work: Many employers offer time and a half or double time for working on federal holidays, even though it is not legally required.
- Weekend shifts: Saturday and Sunday work counts toward your 40-hour weekly total. If weekend hours push you over 40, the excess is at 1.5x.
- On-call work: If you are required to be on-call and are called in, those hours count toward overtime.