Working past the standard weekly or daily hours usually triggers overtime pay in Canada. Rates and thresholds vary by province and territory, and some industries have special rules. This guide explains the general rules, shows how to estimate your overtime pay, and points to where to verify your exact situation.
The Standard Overtime Threshold
Most provinces require overtime pay after 8 hours in a day or 44 hours in a week. Some provinces use 40 hours as the weekly threshold. Daily and weekly rules are independent, so an employee can trigger overtime by working a long shift even if weekly hours stay low.
Time-and-a-Half and Double Time
Overtime hours are usually paid at 1.5 times the regular wage. Some provinces require double time after 12 hours in a day or on certain statutory holidays. Always check the specific employment standards for your province or territory.
Salaried Employees Can Earn Overtime
Salaried workers who are not managers and who are not covered by a special exemption are generally entitled to overtime. To calculate the hourly rate, divide the annual salary by 52 weeks and then by standard weekly hours, usually 40 or 44.
Worked Example
An employee earning $30 per hour who works 40 regular hours and 8 overtime hours at time-and-a-half earns $1,200 in regular pay plus $360 in overtime, for a total gross of $1,560 before taxes and deductions.
Verify Your Province’s Exact Rules
Employment standards vary and some industries have special rules. Use this calculator for a quick estimate, then confirm with your provincial employment standards office, union agreement, or HR department.
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Open Overtime Calculator CanadaFrequently Asked Questions
What is the standard overtime threshold in Canada?
Most provinces require overtime after 8 hours in a day or 44 hours in a week. Some use 40 hours weekly. Special rules apply to certain jobs such as trucking, construction, and managers.
Is overtime always time-and-a-half?
For most hours beyond the threshold, the rate is 1.5× the regular wage. Some provinces require double time after a higher number of daily hours or on statutory holidays.
Does salaried staff get overtime?
Salaried employees who are not exempt or in a management role are generally entitled to overtime. Their hourly equivalent is calculated from their regular salary divided by standard working hours.
Are overtime rules the same in every province?
No. Each province and territory has its own employment standards. Use this calculator for a general estimate, then confirm with your province’s employment standards office or union agreement.
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