Overtime — Payroll Definition

What is Overtime Pay (OT)?

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, covered nonexempt employees generally must receive at least one and one-half times their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Exemptions and special rules exist, and some states provide broader protections such as daily overtime. The regular rate can include more than the stated hourly rate, so actual payroll calculations should follow current federal and state guidance.

How to apply this payroll definition

Locate the label beside its current-period amount, taxable-wage basis, and year-to-date total. Compare it with prior genuine statements, benefits materials, the employer's payroll documentation, and the primary source linked on this page. The same abbreviation can carry a different employer-specific meaning.

What the label does not prove

A familiar term or plausible amount does not authenticate a pay statement or confirm identity, employment, wages, deductions, tax compliance, or eligibility. Ask the verified payroll contact about an unknown code. Use current agency instructions or a qualified adviser when a rate, filing, benefit, garnishment, or legal decision depends on the answer.

Browse all payroll definitions or use the pay-statement codes guide.