Take a worker paid $25 an hour who puts in 50 hours in one week. In Ontario that comes to $1,325 before tax. The first 44 hours pay $1,100, and the 6 overtime hours pay $37.50 each, adding $225. Enter your own rate and hours above.
The Ontario rule
Overtime is a legal right. Under the Employment Standards Act, it begins after 44 hours worked in a work week, and pays at least 1.5 times your regular rate. Employer and employee cannot agree to give up that right. Any such agreement has no effect.
How the calculator works
Regular hours are paid at your normal rate, and hours over the threshold at the overtime rate. Lower the threshold if your employer uses a smaller number, or if you work in another province. Choose 2 times when a contract or union agreement pays double.
Averaging hours
Some employees agree in writing to average their hours over two to four weeks. Overtime then applies only when the average passes 44 hours a week. Under such an agreement, add up the hours for the period and enter the weekly average.
Banking overtime as time off
An employee can ask for paid time off in place of overtime pay. Each overtime hour earns 1.5 hours off. The time must be taken within 3 to 12 months, depending on the agreement, and if it is not used in that window the employer generally has to pay it out as money instead. Get the deal in writing, so both sides know the terms.
Jobs with different rules
Some occupations are exempt from overtime rules, and others have their own thresholds. Managers and certain professionals may not qualify. Salary alone changes nothing: a salaried employee working more than 44 hours may be owed for the extra time unless the job is exempt. Unsure? Check the Ontario employment standards guide or call the Employment Standards Information Centre.
Common mistakes
Paid breaks are not unworked time, and hours should never be rounded down. Work done from home or after your shift counts when your employer asks for it. Keep your own log of hours, since it helps if a dispute ever comes up.
A longer example
Suppose you earn $30 an hour and work 52 hours. The first 44 hours pay $1,320. The next 8 hours pay $45 an hour, or $360, for a total of $1,680. Overtime adds 21% to the week. Try other hours in the calculator and watch how quickly the extra pay builds.
Reading your pay stub
A stub should list regular hours and overtime hours on separate lines, each with its rate. Compare them with your log. If the totals are off, raise it with payroll first. If that fails, the Ministry of Labour can review a claim, usually within two years of when the pay was due.
Where to go next
To turn weekly pay into a yearly figure, use the hourly to salary calculator. The payroll deductions calculator shows what stays after tax. Holiday shifts follow separate rules, covered in the holiday pay calculator.
Frequently asked questions
When does overtime start in Ontario?
After 44 hours worked in a work week.
How much is overtime pay in Ontario?
At least 1.5 times your regular hourly rate.
Can I waive my right to overtime?
No. An agreement to give up overtime pay has no effect.
Can I take time off instead of overtime pay?
Yes, if you and your employer agree. You get 1.5 hours off for each overtime hour.
Do all workers get overtime?
No. Some jobs are exempt or have special rules.
What is an averaging agreement?
A written agreement to average hours over two to four weeks before overtime applies.
Sources and updates
Last reviewed: . Full disclaimer. How we build calculators. Editorial policy.
Estimate only. This calculator gives general information for planning. It is not tax, legal or financial advice, and it is not affiliated with the City of Toronto, MPAC or the Canada Revenue Agency. Results depend on the numbers you enter and may differ from official amounts. Check official sources or a qualified professional before you decide.