Double time pay is a pay rate equal to twice an employee’s regular hourly rate. Federal law does not require it. It applies only when a state law, a union contract, or an employer policy says so, usually for very long shifts, a seventh straight workday, or holidays. Only non-exempt employees qualify, and the rules differ by state.
What Is Double Time Pay?
Double time pay is two times the regular rate, while standard overtime pays 1.5 times. The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek and sets no extra pay for holidays, weekends, or long days. So any double time a worker earns comes from state law, a contract, or company policy.
Healthcare, manufacturing, and film production often use it because their teams work unusual hours. Double time raises gross pay before deductions reduce it to net pay.
When Does Double Time Pay Apply?
It applies only when a law, contract, or policy triggers it. Common triggers include
Hours beyond 12 in one workday in California.
Hours beyond eight on the seventh consecutive day of a workweek in California.
Holiday work, if company policy or a contract sets a premium.
Terms in a collective bargaining agreement.
California Labor Code section 510 sets both California triggers. California is the main state with a broad double time mandate, so check your own state labor department before assuming a rule carries over.
How to Calculate Double Time Pay
Double time pay = regular rate x 2 x double time hours
Use the regular rate, not just the base wage. Under the FLSA, the regular rate includes all pay for employment with limited exclusions, so many bonuses and commissions raise it.
Double Time Pay Examples
Holiday shift. Lena earns $22 an hour, and her employer pays double time on Labor Day. Eight hours at $44 is $352, compared with $176 on a normal day.
Long day in California. Marcus earns $22 and works 14 hours. Hours one to eight pay $176. Hours nine to 12 pay overtime at $33, which is $132. Hours 13 and 14 pay $44 each, which is $88. His total is $396.
Seventh straight day in California. Ana earns $22 and works 10 hours on her seventh consecutive day. The first eight hours pay $33 each, which is $264. The last two pay $44 each, which is $88. Her total is $352.
Double Time vs. Overtime
Overtime
Double time
Rate
1.5x regular rate
2x regular rate
Required by federal law
Yes, after 40 hours in a workweek
No
Typical trigger
Weekly hours
Daily hours, seventh day, holidays
Where the rule comes from
FLSA and state law
State law, contracts, policy
The two can stack in one shift, so payroll has to apply the right rate to the right hours.
The bigger change is tax. From 2025 through 2028, eligible workers can deduct up to $12,500 of qualified overtime compensation ($25,000 on joint returns), reduced above $150,000 of modified adjusted gross income ($300,000 joint). Only the premium the FLSA requires counts. In the IRS example, a worker earning $20 an hour is paid double time for 10 hours over 40 and receives $400, but only $100 qualifies. Starting with tax year 2026, employers report qualified overtime on Form W-2, box 12, code TT, so payroll teams should track it separately.
Key Takeaways
Double time pay is twice the regular rate.
Federal law does not require it.
California requires it after 12 hours in a day and after eight hours on the seventh straight day.
Holiday double time is a policy choice, not a legal default.
Only the FLSA-required half counts toward the 2026 overtime tax deduction.
Written rules and accurate time tracking prevent pay disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best healthcare performance management software?
No. The FLSA requires time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek and nothing higher. Double time comes from state law, a union contract, or company policy.
When is double time required in California?
For non-exempt employees, it applies to hours beyond 12 in a workday and hours beyond eight on the seventh consecutive day of a workweek. Hours nine through 12, and the first eight hours on day seven, pay 1.5 times.
Is holiday pay double time?
Only if the employer’s policy or a contract says so. Federal law sets no holiday premium, so some employers pay regular rates, others pay time and a half, and others pay double. Check your handbook.
What is double time and a half?
It is 2.5 times the regular rate, so a $20 worker would earn $50 an hour. Some employers offer it for holidays or extreme shifts through a contract or policy, but no federal rule requires it.
Can salaried employees get double time?
Exempt salaried employees generally cannot. Non-exempt salaried employees can, because they are paid for hours worked rather than the job. Exempt status needs a duties test plus a salary of at least [$684 a week federally or $70,304 a year in California]
Innovative
