Guide
What Is Double-Time Pay?
Double time is twice your regular hourly rate — a multiplier of 2.0, compared with 1.5 for standard "time and a half" overtime. On $22 an hour, double time is $44 an hour.
There is no federal double-time requirement
The US Fair Labor Standards Act only requires time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek. It says nothing about double time, and nothing about extra pay for weekends, nights, or holidays. Any double time you receive comes from one of these instead:
- State law — most notably California (see below).
- A union contract or collective agreement — common in manufacturing, transport, and the trades.
- Employer policy — some employers voluntarily pay double time for holidays or for the seventh consecutive workday.
California's daily double-time rule
California is the main place double time is required by law. For non-exempt employees:
| Situation | Rate |
|---|---|
| Over 8 hours in a workday, up to 12 | 1.5× |
| Over 12 hours in a workday | 2.0× |
| First 8 hours on the 7th consecutive day in a workweek | 1.5× |
| Over 8 hours on the 7th consecutive day | 2.0× |
Example: a 14-hour shift in California is 8 hours at regular pay, 4 hours at 1.5×, and 2 hours at 2.0×. A few other states have day-based overtime (Alaska, Nevada, and others at 1.5× over 8 hours) but not the 2.0× tier.
"Double time and a half"
Some contracts use a 2.5× rate — often called "double time and a half" — for holidays worked or for extreme overtime. Again, this is contractual, not a legal minimum anywhere in the US.
How to calculate it
double-time pay = regular hourly rate × 2 × double-time hours
The tricky part is the same as with any overtime: the regular rate may not equal your base wage. Non-discretionary bonuses, shift differentials, and multiple pay rates in a week all feed into it under federal and California law. See how to calculate overtime pay for the regular-rate rules.
Holidays: usually not double time
In the US private sector there is no legal right to premium pay for working a public holiday. "Holiday pay" at 1.5× or 2× is an employer benefit. Federal employees and many union members do have holiday premium provisions; check your contract or employee handbook.
Is double time taxed differently?
No. Like all overtime, double-time pay is taxed as ordinary wages. A large paycheck can be over-withheld because payroll annualises it, but that evens out when you file — see is overtime taxed more?
Calculate a shift with a double-time tier
The Overtime Calculator lets you pick the California rule (which applies the 1.5× and 2.0× tiers) or set a custom multiplier. The Time Card Calculator applies daily and weekly overtime across a full week of shifts.