How much is your overtime really worth?
Time-and-a-half sounds great — but taxes take a cut of that too. See your true take-home pay with overtime, using 2026 tax tables.
Estimate only, using 2026 federal brackets, standard deduction, FICA, and state income tax. Assumes 52 working weeks and overtime paid at 1.5× the regular rate. Doesn't include pre-tax deductions or local taxes. Not tax advice.
How overtime pay works
Under federal law, most hourly workers must be paid 1.5× their regular rate ("time-and-a-half") for hours worked beyond 40 in a week. At $25/hour, each overtime hour pays $37.50 — so 5 overtime hours add $187.50 to your weekly paycheck before taxes.
But overtime is taxed as ordinary income: it stacks on top of your regular earnings, so it's withheld at your marginal rate. That $187.50 of overtime might only put ~$130–$145 in your pocket after federal, state, and FICA taxes, depending on your state and tax bracket.
Is overtime worth it?
Usually yes — even after taxes, overtime hours pay more per hour than regular hours. This calculator shows you the "OT premium" chip above: the extra take-home pay your overtime hours actually earn you each week, so you can decide whether those extra shifts are worth it.
Frequently asked questions
How is overtime pay calculated?
Overtime pay = hourly rate × 1.5 × overtime hours. Example: $25/hour × 1.5 × 5 hours = $187.50 per week in overtime pay, before taxes.
Is overtime taxed at a higher rate?
Overtime isn't taxed at a special higher rate — it's taxed as ordinary income on top of your regular earnings, which means it's withheld at your marginal tax bracket. Enter your details above to see the after-tax figure.
Who qualifies for overtime pay?
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, most non-exempt hourly employees must receive overtime for hours over 40 per week. Some states (like California) have daily overtime rules. Salaried exempt employees generally don't qualify.
Does this include double-time or holiday pay?
No — this calculator assumes the standard 1.5× overtime rate. Double-time and holiday premiums vary by employer and state.