Overtime
Calculator.
Enter your monthly salary and overtime hours to see exactly how much you should be paid. Based on BCEA 2026 overtime rates.
✓ Fact-checkedUpdated 1 March 2026Sources: BCEA s17 — Overtime·National Minimum Wage Act 9 of 2018
Key takeaways
- ✓Weekday overtime must be paid at 1.5× your normal hourly rate under the BCEA — this minimum cannot be contracted away.
- ✓Work on Sundays and public holidays must be paid at 2× your normal rate.
- ✓The BCEA caps overtime at 10 hours per week and 3 hours per day. You cannot work more than 12 hours in a single day.
- ✓BCEA overtime protections apply to employees earning below R254,371/year (R21,197/month). Above this threshold, your contract governs.
Weekday overtime
1.5×
Hours above 45h/week or 9h/day
Sunday work
2×
All hours worked on a Sunday
Public holidays
2×
All hours worked on a public holiday
BCEA standard is 45h/week. Most office workers: 40h/week.
Overtime hours worked
Paid at 1.5×
Paid at 2×
Paid at 2×
Total monthly pay (incl. overtime)
R 22 000,00
R 20 000,00 base + R 2 000,00 overtime
Overtime breakdown
BCEA overtime limits
The BCEA caps overtime at 10 hours per week and 3 hours per day. Employees may not work more than 12 hours per day (including overtime). Your employer must agree to overtime — it cannot be unilaterally required beyond the BCEA threshold.
Calculate your take-home after PAYE
Use the PAYE calculator to see your net pay including overtime.
Data: Effective 1 March 2026 · BCEA s17 — Overtime · National Minimum Wage Act 9 of 2018 · See methodology
Frequently asked questions
What is the overtime rate in South Africa?
Under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), overtime on weekdays must be paid at 1.5 times (1.5×) the employee's normal hourly rate. Work on Sundays and public holidays must be paid at 2 times (2×) the normal rate. These minimums cannot be contracted away.
How many overtime hours can I work per week?
The BCEA limits overtime to 10 hours per week and 3 hours per day. An employee may not work more than 12 hours in a single day (including normal hours and overtime). These limits apply to employees earning below the BCEA earnings threshold (R254,371/year). Senior employees above this threshold may have different overtime arrangements.
Does overtime apply to salaried employees?
Yes — BCEA overtime protections apply to all employees earning below R254,371 per year (approximately R21,197/month). If you earn above this threshold, your employment contract determines your overtime terms. Many employers voluntarily apply BCEA rates to all employees regardless of earnings level.
Is overtime pay taxed?
Yes. Overtime pay is treated as normal income for PAYE purposes. Your employer adds your overtime earnings to your regular salary when calculating your monthly PAYE deduction. The extra income may temporarily push you into a higher tax bracket in that month, but your annual tax liability is based on your total annual income.
Can my employer force me to work overtime?
Only by agreement. The BCEA requires that overtime be agreed upon in writing between the employer and employee — it cannot be unilaterally imposed. The agreement can be in your employment contract or in a separate written agreement. An employer may not dismiss an employee for refusing overtime that was not previously agreed upon.
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