Overtime Rules by State: Where to Verify

Overtime · Updated October 8, 2026

By Work Hours Desk editorial team. This guide is an educational calculation example, not a legal determination.

Federal law generally uses overtime above 40 hours in a fixed seven-day workweek for covered nonexempt employees. Some states add daily or different thresholds. A universal switch cannot determine your coverage or location-specific rule.

Starting point	What to check	Official source
Federal	Covered nonexempt work over 40 hours in a fixed workweek	U.S. DOL
California	Daily, weekly and seventh-day rules plus exceptions	California DLSE
Other states	Current state labor department guidance	DOL state labor office directory

For a 45-hour week at $20 with a simple 40-hour threshold, the estimate is $950. State-specific premiums can change that. Choose calculator settings only after confirming the rule that applies.

Example at a glance

Entered time or pay	Adjustment	Result
45 hours at $20/hour	40-hour weekly / 1.5× example	$950 estimated gross

Try your own values

Use the related calculator and compare the result with your original time and pay records.

Common questions

Can I use this number for payroll?

Treat it as a check, then verify the relevant pay policy and official records.

Does this replace legal guidance?

No. The linked official agency provides the rule; this page explains an example.

Estimates are for reference only, not payroll or legal advice. Check your records and applicable rules.