Time and a Half
$$\text{Time-and-a-Half Rate} = \text{Hourly Rate} \times 1.5$$
What is Time and a Half?
Time and a half is an overtime pay rate equal to 1.5 times an employee's regular hourly wage. It is the minimum overtime rate required by the US Fair Labor Standards Act for non-exempt employees working more than 40 hours in a workweek.
The name refers to the structure of the payment: you receive your normal time (1x) plus an additional half (0.5x), totalling 1.5x. At $20/hr, time and a half is $30/hr for each overtime hour.
When to use Time and a Half
Use time and a half as your default overtime multiplier when calculating US overtime pay unless your employer, state law, or employment contract specifies a higher rate. California requires double time (2x) in certain daily overtime situations.
Worked examples for Time and a Half
This table quickly gives you the overview you need to understand Time and a Half and its most important comparisons.
| Regular rate | Time-and-a-half rate | Extra earned per hour |
|---|---|---|
| $15/hr | $22.50/hr | +$7.50 |
| $20/hr | $30.00/hr | +$10.00 |
| $30/hr | $45.00/hr | +$15.00 |
| $50/hr | $75.00/hr | +$25.00 |
Common pitfalls
Some employers describe overtime pay informally as "time and a half" when they actually pay a different rate. Always check your employment contract or collective agreement for the exact multiplier. Outside the US, 1.5x is not universal - France starts at 1.25x, Japan at 1.25x, and India requires 2x.
Frequently asked questions about Time and a Half
Is time and a half the same everywhere?
No. The 1.5x rate is the US federal standard under the FLSA, but other countries use different multipliers. France pays 1.25x for hours 36-43 and 1.5x beyond 43. Japan uses 1.25x for standard overtime and 1.35x on weekends. Australia starts at 1.5x but moves to 2x after the first two overtime hours.
Does time and a half apply to bonuses?
Non-discretionary bonuses (e.g. attendance or production bonuses) must be included in the regular rate of pay before calculating overtime, which can raise the effective overtime rate above the simple 1.5x of base wages. Discretionary bonuses paid at the employer's sole discretion are excluded from the regular rate.
Quiz: how well do you know time and a half?
1. What does "time and a half" mean as an overtime rate?
2. From the examples table, what is the time-and-a-half rate for an employee earning $20/hr?
3. The pitfalls section warns 1.5x is not universal outside the US. Which countries are mentioned as starting at a lower rate?
4. According to the FAQ, which types of bonuses must be included when calculating the overtime regular rate?