Overtime Tax Calculator
What did you actually keep from that OT?
$
Your normal (non-OT) hours each pay period
Frequently Asked Questions
Does overtime push me into a higher tax bracket?
Only the additional overtime income is taxed at the higher rate — your regular pay stays in the same brackets. The US uses progressive tax brackets, meaning each dollar is taxed at the rate for the bracket it falls into. Working overtime will never cause you to take home less money overall.
Why does my OT paycheck seem to be taxed so heavily?
Payroll systems often withhold taxes as if your OT paycheck were your normal pay every period. For example, if you usually earn $1,500 biweekly but earn $2,200 with OT, the system withholds as if you earn $2,200 every pay period ($57,200/year instead of $39,000/year). You typically get the over-withholding back as a tax refund.
Is my employer required to pay overtime?
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), non-exempt employees must receive at least 1.5x their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Some states have stricter rules — California requires daily OT after 8 hours, and some states require double time for hours over 12.
What counts as hours worked for overtime?
Under federal law, overtime is calculated on a workweek basis (any fixed, recurring 168-hour period). All hours you are required or permitted to work count, including short breaks, on-call time when restricted, and required training. Your employer cannot average hours across multiple weeks unless you are on an approved alternative schedule.
How does state income tax affect my overtime?
Nine states have no income tax (AK, FL, NV, NH, SD, TN, TX, WA, WY). In those states, you keep more of your OT pay. Other states tax overtime income at your marginal state rate, which ranges from about 1% to 13% depending on your state and income level.
Related Tools
OSHA Complaint Guide
File a workplace safety complaint — anonymously if needed
Wage Analysis
Check your paycheck and calculate what you're owed
Wrongful Termination Checker
Find out if you were fired illegally
Worker Misclassification Checker
Are you an employee being paid as a contractor?
Post-Layoff Financial Triage
Just lost your job? Here's what to do first.
Unemployment Appeal Guide
Denied unemployment? Fight back.