Worked over 40 hours? You may be owed more than you think.
Free tools and plain-English guides to help you find out if you're owed overtime, how much, and how to get it, without the legal jargon.
You may be owed overtime if…
- You're salaried but earn under your state's exempt minimum
- You're called a "manager" but mostly do hourly work
- You work through lunch or answer email after hours
- You're paid "straight time" for hours over 40
- You're paid on a 1099 but work like an employee
- Your bonuses aren't counted in your overtime rate
From "something's not right" to getting paid
1. Check your status
Salary, title and duties all matter. Our screener walks through the tests employers must meet to deny overtime.
2. Estimate what's owed
See weekly, yearly and back-pay estimates, including liquidated damages, for hourly or salaried work.
3. Take action
File free with the Wage and Hour Division or your state, or talk to an employment lawyer.
Know your overtime rights
Overtime pay basics: how the 40-hour rule works
How federal overtime works: who is covered, what counts as hours worked, what time-and-a-half really means, and the mistakes that shortchange workers.
BasicsExempt vs. non-exempt: are you really exempt from overtime?
The three tests employers must meet to deny overtime: salary level, salary basis and job duties. Current 2026 federal and state salary thresholds included.
MisclassificationSalaried but not exempt: when a salary still means overtime
Why many salaried workers are still owed overtime, how back pay is figured for misclassified employees, and what to gather before you act.
Misclassification1099 contractor or employee? Why it matters for overtime
Independent contractors don't get overtime, but many workers paid on a 1099 are legally employees. Learn the signs and what to do.
Unpaid timeOff-the-clock work: the unpaid minutes that add up
Pre-shift setup, after-hours email, interrupted lunches and auto-deducted breaks. Learn which off-the-clock time must be paid.
Pay mathThe regular rate: why your overtime rate may be higher than you think
Non-discretionary bonuses, shift differentials and commissions can raise your overtime rate. See the math with worked examples.
The federal salary line is $684 a week
In May 2026 the Labor Department confirmed the federal minimum for most white-collar exemptions stays at $684 per week ($35,568 a year). Several states set much higher minimums: Washington ($1,541.70/week), California ($1,352), New York ($1,275 downstate), Alaska, Colorado and Maine.
Some states count long days, too
Federal law looks only at the week. California, Alaska and Nevada can require overtime after 8 hours in a day, and Colorado after 12. California also requires double time after 12 hours.
Overtime lawyers by state
Free government help, legal aid and employment-lawyer resources for every state and D.C., plus each state's overtime rules at a glance.
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