Overtime Pay Calculator Canada

How Overtime Pay Works in Canada

Canada does not have one universal overtime threshold for every employee. Overtime rules vary by jurisdiction and can also vary according to occupation, industry, employment arrangement and other circumstances. Most jurisdictions pay a premium rate for hours beyond a daily or weekly threshold, but the thresholds, the rates and whether a daily rule applies differ. Always confirm the rules for your specific jurisdiction and situation against an official source.

More provinces and territories are coming soon as their rules are individually verified against official sources.

Overtime Rules by Jurisdiction

These are general standards only. Special rules and exemptions may apply.

Worked Examples

Frequently Asked Questions

How is overtime calculated in Canada?

Overtime is generally paid at a premium rate (often 1.5× your regular wage) for hours worked beyond a daily or weekly threshold. But the threshold, the rate and whether a daily rule exists all depend on your jurisdiction. This calculator applies the verified rules for BC, Alberta, Ontario and federally regulated employees.

Is overtime always paid after 40 hours in Canada?

No. The weekly threshold varies. Ontario generally begins overtime after 44 hours in a week, Alberta after 44 hours, BC after 40 hours, and federally regulated employees after 40 standard hours. Some jurisdictions also have daily thresholds.

Is overtime always time-and-a-half?

Time-and-a-half (1.5×) is the most common general overtime rate, but it is not universal. In BC, hours over 12 in a day are generally paid at double time (2×). Some agreements or sectors may use different arrangements.

Does Ontario have daily overtime?

Under the general Ontario rule, overtime is based on weekly hours (over 44 in a work week), not a daily 8-hour threshold. This calculator does not apply a daily overtime rule to Ontario. Special rules and exemptions may apply to certain industries and occupations.

How does overtime work in British Columbia?

In BC, daily overtime generally applies after 8 hours in a day at 1.5×, and after 12 hours at 2×. Weekly overtime applies to hours over 40 in a week, but hours already paid as daily overtime are not counted again. This calculator reconciles daily and weekly overtime to avoid double-counting.

How does Alberta calculate overtime?

Alberta generally applies overtime after 8 hours/day or 44 hours/week, using whichever produces the greater number of overtime hours. The two amounts are not added together. This calculator uses the greater of the daily and weekly methods.

What if I work more than 12 hours in BC?

In BC, hours worked beyond 12 in a single day are generally paid at double time (2× your regular wage). Hours between 8 and 12 are generally paid at 1.5×, and the first 8 hours at your regular rate.

Do federally regulated employees have different overtime rules?

Yes. Federally regulated employees fall under the Canada Labour Code, not provincial standards. This simplified calculator assumes standard hours of 8/day and 40/week with overtime at 1.5×. Modified schedules, averaging arrangements and sector-specific rules may produce a different result.

Can an employer use an overtime agreement?

Some jurisdictions allow overtime agreements or time-off in lieu of overtime pay under specific conditions. These arrangements can change how overtime is calculated or compensated. This calculator does not model overtime agreements; check the official source for your jurisdiction.

Is this calculator legal advice?

No. This calculator provides general information and estimates only. It is not legal, employment, tax or financial advice. For decisions affecting your individual circumstances, consult the official sources or a qualified professional.