How is overtime calculated and paid?

Overtime pay applies when you work more than 40 hours in a single workweek. Understanding how overtime works helps you track your hours and ensure accurate compensation for the extra time you dedicate to your role.

Your overtime rate is 1.5 times your regular hourly rate. For example, if your regular hourly rate is $20 per hour, your overtime rate is $30 per hour for each hour worked beyond 40 in the workweek. The workweek runs from Sunday through Saturday for most departments, but check with your supervisor to confirm your department's specific workweek schedule.

Your supervisor must approve overtime in advance except in emergency situations. Submit an overtime request form at least 24 hours before the anticipated overtime work. Emergency overtime should be reported to your supervisor as soon as possible and documented within one business day. Unapproved overtime may not be compensated at the overtime rate and could result in disciplinary action.

Submit overtime hours through the time tracking system by the end of each pay period. Log all overtime hours separately from regular hours. Include the date, start time, end time, and brief description of the work performed. Your timesheet must be submitted no later than 5:00 PM on the last day of the pay period. Late submissions delay your overtime payment until the following pay cycle.

Not all positions qualify for overtime pay. Exempt employees, including most management and professional positions, receive salary compensation and do not earn overtime. Non-exempt employees, including most hourly and support staff positions, qualify for overtime. Check your position classification in your offer letter or employee file, or ask your HR representative if you are unsure about your overtime eligibility.

Compensatory time off may be available as an alternative to overtime pay in some departments. Comp time accrues at the same 1.5 times rate as overtime pay. You must request comp time in advance and receive supervisor approval. Comp time must be used within the same fiscal year it is earned. Any unused comp time converts to overtime pay at the end of the fiscal year.

Contact HR at [contact info] with questions about your overtime eligibility, rate calculations, or payment issues. Review the complete overtime policy in Section 5.3 of the HR Policy and Procedures Manual available on the employee intranet.