Overtime Calculator
Calculate overtime pay in South Africa as per the BCEA. Weekday overtime at 1.5x, Sunday and public holiday work at 2x normal rate.
Quick Calculator Get a fast estimate
R
hrs
Overtime Pay
R 1 731
Total Earnings
R 21 731
Normal Hourly Rate
R 115
OT Rate (1.5x)
R 173
Hours Worked
10 hrs
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How to Use This Calculator
Enter your gross monthly salary and overtime hours worked. Select the overtime type — weekday (1.5x), Sunday/Saturday (1.5x minimum), or public holiday (2x). Hourly rate is derived from your monthly salary assuming 21.67 working days × 8 hours.
SA Overtime Rates (BCEA)
Hourly Rate = Monthly Salary ÷ (21.67 × 8)
Weekday OT = Hourly Rate × 1.5
Sunday / PH = Hourly Rate × 2.0
OT Pay = OT Rate × Hours Worked
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Extended Calculator More options, charts, and scenario comparison
BCEA s10: 1.5x after 45 hrs/week (first 10 hrs/week) or 9 hrs/day
R
#
#
Total Monthly Earnings
R 23,750.00
Normal Pay
R 20,000.00
Overtime Pay
R 3,750.00
Hourly Rate
R 125.00
OT Hourly Rate (1.5x)
R 187.50
Earnings Breakdown
SA BCEA Overtime Rules Summary
| Type | Rate | BCEA Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday overtime | 1.5x | Section 10 |
| Saturday (normal rest day) | 1.5x | Section 10 |
| Sunday (normal rest day) | 2x | Section 10(2) |
| Public holiday | 2x | Section 18 |
| Max overtime hours | 10 hrs/week | Section 10(1)(b) |
| Max daily hours (incl. OT) | 12 hrs/day | Section 9 |
| Max consecutive days | 6 days | Section 14 |
Example Calculation
Warehouse Worker — Weekday Overtime
Monthly salary: R18,000. Overtime: 15 hours weekday.
Hourly Rate = R18,000 ÷ 173.4 = R103.81/hr
OT Rate (1.5x) = R155.72/hr. OT Pay = R155.72 × 15 = R2,335.80
Total Month Pay = R20,335.80
BCEA Overtime Rules Summary
| Day Type | Minimum Rate | Max Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday (after 9hrs) | 1.5× normal | 3 hrs/day |
| Saturday (ordinary) | 1.5× normal | 10 hrs/week total OT |
| Sunday | 2× normal | Voluntary or contractual |
| Public Holiday (if normally work day) | 2× normal | No statutory limit |
| Public Holiday (if not normally work day) | 1× normal (extra day) | — |
Employees earning above R254,371.67/year are excluded from BCEA overtime provisions (senior managers).
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Employee Details
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#
R
Base hourly rate: R 125.00/hour
Overtime Shift Planner
| Date / Shift | Type | Hours | Rate | Pay | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R 187.50/hr | R 562.50 | ||||
| R 187.50/hr | R 937.50 | ||||
| R 250.00/hr | R 1,000.00 | ||||
| Total | 12 hrs | R 2,500.00 |
Total Monthly Pay (incl. OT)
R 22,500.00
OT Earnings
R 2,500.00
Total OT Hours
12 hrs
BCEA Compliance
Compliant (2.8 hrs/wk avg)
Annual OT Earnings
R 30,000.00
Annual Overtime Analysis
| Month | OT Pay | Total Pay | Cumulative OT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | R 2,500.00 | R 22,500.00 | R 2,500.00 |
| Feb | R 2,500.00 | R 22,500.00 | R 5,000.00 |
| Mar | R 2,500.00 | R 22,500.00 | R 7,500.00 |
| Apr | R 2,500.00 | R 22,500.00 | R 10,000.00 |
| May | R 2,500.00 | R 22,500.00 | R 12,500.00 |
| Jun | R 2,500.00 | R 22,500.00 | R 15,000.00 |
| Jul | R 2,500.00 | R 22,500.00 | R 17,500.00 |
| Aug | R 2,500.00 | R 22,500.00 | R 20,000.00 |
| Sep | R 2,500.00 | R 22,500.00 | R 22,500.00 |
| Oct | R 2,500.00 | R 22,500.00 | R 25,000.00 |
| Nov | R 2,500.00 | R 22,500.00 | R 27,500.00 |
| Dec | R 2,500.00 | R 22,500.00 | R 30,000.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, for employees below the BCEA earnings threshold. The employer must pay at least 1.5x for weekday overtime and 2x for Sundays and public holidays. Alternatively, by written agreement, employees can receive equivalent paid time off in lieu.
An employer cannot compel an employee to work more than 10 hours overtime per week. If an employee works authorised overtime, they must be compensated at BCEA minimum rates. Refusing to pay is a labour law violation reportable to the CCMA or Department of Labour.
The BCEA allows a maximum of 3 hours overtime per day and 10 hours per week. An employee cannot be compelled to work more than this. Written agreements may allow slightly different limits in some sectoral determinations.
Yes. Overtime pay is included in gross income and taxed at your normal marginal rate. There is no special tax exemption for overtime in South Africa. Your employer must calculate PAYE on total monthly earnings including overtime.