Overtime

The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires employers to pay eligible employees an overtime premium — time and a half — if they work more than 40 hours a week. The FLSA was enacted during the Great Depression; its overtime provisions were intended to create an incentive for employers to spread their work around to more employees.

The articles in this section explain the federal overtime rules as well as state laws on overtime. If you’re wondering who is entitled to earn overtime, whether your employer can make overtime work mandatory, how overtime pay is calculated, or whether you are entitled to pay for unauthorized overtime, you’ll find the answers you need here.

Are Employers Obligated To Pay Unauthorized Overtime?
Are you entitled to overtime pay for hours you worked without permission or authorization?

Overtime Pay: Calculating Your Regular Rate Of Pay
You’re entitled to “time and a half” for overtime work; find out how your hourly rate is calculated here.

Overtime Laws: Part-Time Workers
If you work more than 40 hours in a week (or, in a few states, more than eight hours in a day), you are eligible for overtime, whether your employer classifies you as full time or part time.

California Overtime Laws vs. Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
California’s overtime laws are more generous to employees; learn the differences between California and federal law here.

Your Rights in the Workplace
Nolo’s essential guide to employee rights, including your right to be paid.

The Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division

This federal agency enforces the FLSA, including the rules on overtime; you’ll find plenty of factsheets and other free material here.

The Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division
This federal agency enforces the FLSA, including the rules on overtime; you’ll find plenty of factsheets and other free material here.

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