Overtime Pay Calculator – South Africa
South Africa Overtime Rules
Law: Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA)
Standard hours: 45 hours per week
Overtime rate: 1.5x (weekday overtime)
Work on Sundays is paid at 2x the normal rate (or 1.5x if Sundays are part of the normal work schedule). Public holidays are paid at 2x.
Overtime Rates at Common South Africa Hourly Wages
Based on 1.5x (weekday overtime) overtime rate. Shows OT hourly rate and pay for 10 extra hours per week.
| Regular Rate | OT Rate (1.5x) | 10 OT Hours Pay |
|---|---|---|
| R30 | R45.00 | R450 |
| R40 | R60.00 | R600 |
| R50 | R75.00 | R750 |
| R70 | R105.00 | R1,050 |
| R100 | R150.00 | R1,500 |
| R150 | R225.00 | R2,250 |
| R200 | R300.00 | R3,000 |
South Africa Overtime Rules by Region
| Scenario | When | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday OT | After 45 hrs/week | 1.5x | Standard BCEA rate |
| Sunday work (normal) | If part of schedule | 1.5x | For employees who normally work Sundays |
| Sunday work (extra) | Not part of schedule | 2x | For employees not normally on Sundays |
| Public holidays | 12 public holidays | 2x | Or normal pay plus day off |
| Night work | 6 PM–6 AM | Allowance or reduced hours | Transport must be provided |
Additional Rules
Maximum overtime is 10 hours per week (3 hours on any day working 8+ hours). Employees may agree to work up to 15 hours of overtime per week for up to 2 months in any 12-month period. Overtime may not exceed 45 ordinary hours in any week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Under the BCEA, overtime on weekdays is paid at 1.5x the normal wage. Sunday work is 2x (or 1.5x if Sundays are part of the normal schedule). Public holidays are 2x.
Maximum 10 hours of overtime per week. Employees may agree to 15 hours/week for up to 2 months in a 12-month period. Daily OT is limited to 3 hours.
The overtime provisions apply to employees earning below the ministerial threshold (R241,110.59/year). Senior managers and high earners may negotiate different terms.