How to use the fluctuating workweek overtime calculator
- Enter the fixed weekly salary that covers every hour you work in a week.
- Enter the hours worked in each week, adding rows for more weeks.
- In Advanced options set the hour after which the premium starts and the premium multiple, if yours differ from the examples.
- Read the regular rate, the extra hours, the premium and the total pay for each week.
Formula
Regular rate = weekly salary / hours worked in the week
Extra hours = hours worked - overtime threshold (never below 0)
Premium = regular rate x premium multiple x extra hours
Total pay = weekly salary + premium
The salary is treated as full pay for all the hours, so the extra hours already have their straight time paid. Only the premium is added, usually one half of the regular rate.
A $600 weekly salary
In a week of 50 hours the regular rate is $600 / 50 = $12.00. There are 10 extra hours over 40, so the premium is $12.00 x 0.5 x 10 = $60.00 and the total is $660.00.
Over four weeks of 50, 45, 38 and 42 hours the totals are $660.00, $633.33, $600.00 and $614.29, for $2,507.62 in all. In the 38 hour week there are no extra hours, and the regular rate rises to $15.79.
How the method works
In this arrangement the employee and employer agree that a fixed salary pays for whatever hours are worked in a week, large or small. The regular rate is found each week by dividing the salary by the hours, so it moves in the opposite direction from the hours. Extra hours then earn only a premium on top of the salary. Rules for whether and when this is allowed differ by place, so this page only shows the arithmetic.
For ordinary overtime see the overtime calculator, the daily and weekly overtime calculator and the hours left before overtime calculator. To see what your pay works out to per hour after other costs, use the true hourly wage calculator.
Checks to make
Because the regular rate drops as hours grow, a very long week can bring it close to the minimum that applies where you work. Check that rate against the local rules and your written agreement, and keep records of the hours worked each week.
Assumptions and limits
- The salary is fixed and meant to cover all hours worked in the week, with no change when hours are short.
- The premium multiple and the threshold are examples you can edit: 0.5 and 40 are the starting values.
- Bonuses, shift pay and other pay that affects the regular rate are not included.
- This is not legal advice. It does not say whether the method is allowed or what minimum applies to you.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate pay for a fluctuating workweek?
Divide the weekly salary by the hours worked to get the regular rate, then add half of that rate for each hour over 40. With $600 and 50 hours the pay is $660.
Why is the overtime premium only half time?
The salary already pays straight time for every hour, so only the extra half of the rate is owed in this method. The page lets you change the multiple if your terms differ.
What happens in a short week?
The salary stays the same and the regular rate goes up, since the same pay is divided by fewer hours. There is no premium when hours are under the threshold.
Can I use this for hourly workers?
No. This method is for a fixed salary. For hourly pay use an overtime calculator, where the regular rate stays the same and extra hours earn a larger multiple.