The short answer
How does overtime work in Texas?
Texas has no state overtime law, so the federal Fair Labor Standards Act applies: non-exempt employees earn 1.5× their regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek. There is no daily overtime, so a 12-hour shift alone doesn't trigger overtime.
Texas overtime rules at a glance
| Weekly overtime | 1.5× after 40 hours in a workweek |
| Daily overtime | None |
| Weekends and holidays | No extra pay required by law |
| Averaging two weeks | Not allowed: each workweek stands alone |
| Exempt salary minimum (federal) | $684 a week ($35,568 a year) |
A workweek is a fixed, repeating 7-day period set by your employer. Working 30 hours one week and 50 the next means 10 overtime hours, even on a biweekly paycheck.
Worked example
At $20 an hour, a 48-hour week pays 40 × $20 = $800 regular plus 8 × $30 = $240 overtime, a total of $1,040 before taxes. Non-discretionary bonuses and shift differentials are part of the regular rate, so they raise the overtime rate too.
Does the "no tax on overtime" deduction apply?
Starting with 2025 tax returns, workers can deduct qualified overtime pay on their federal income tax return, up to $12,500 a year ($25,000 for married couples filing jointly). The deduction phases out above $150,000 of modified adjusted gross income ($300,000 joint). Only the extra part of overtime pay, the "half" in time-and-a-half, counts, and only for overtime the federal Fair Labor Standards Act requires: hours over 40 in a workweek. Social Security and Medicare are still withheld from overtime pay. The calculator above estimates the federal premium for your week.
Assumptions and sources
Results are gross pay estimates for non-exempt employees paid by the hour. Special industry rules, local ordinances, union contracts and exemptions can change the result. Rules summarized from the U.S. Department of Labor: overtime pay and the IRS. ToolPinch isn't a law firm; check with your state labor department or an employment lawyer about your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Does Texas have its own overtime law?
No. Texas relies on the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, which requires 1.5x pay for hours over 40 in a workweek for non-exempt employees.
Is there daily overtime in Texas?
No. Only hours over 40 in a workweek count as overtime, however long a single shift is.
Do salaried employees in Texas get overtime?
Salaried employees earning less than $684 a week, or whose duties don't meet the federal exemption tests, are still entitled to overtime.
Can my employer make me work overtime in Texas?
Generally yes, for adults, as long as the overtime is paid when required.
Is this calculator free?
Yes. It runs in your browser, needs no signup and doesn't store your hours or pay.