Direct answer
Add all overtime-eligible hours for the week, then calculate overtime using the employer's weighted average, rate-in-effect, or policy method for mixed rates.
The search intent behind "calculate overtime with two hourly rates in one week" is usually practical: the person has a time card, paycheck, policy, schedule, notice date, or PTO balance in front of them and needs the next number to check. Start with the calculator link, then use the notes here to decide whether the result needs a policy adjustment.
Open Overtime Pay CalculatorReal workplace situation
A worker may spend part of the week at a cashier rate and part at a lead rate. If total hours exceed the overtime threshold, the overtime rate may not be as simple as 1.5 times one hourly rate.
For a practical estimate, list the hours and pay earned at each rate first. Then identify the method payroll uses for overtime with multiple rates.
Rate A: 30 hours x $18 = $540. Rate B: 15 hours x $24 = $360. Total straight-time earnings = $900 for 45 hours. Weighted average regular rate = $20. Overtime half-time premium estimate = 5 x $10 = $50. Estimated gross = $950 under a weighted-average method.
Step-by-step calculation
Key checks
- List hours worked at each rate.
- Calculate straight-time earnings for each rate.
- Add total hours and identify overtime hours.
- Check whether payroll uses weighted average, rate in effect, or another allowed method.
- Compare the overtime line with the chosen method.
Working rule and example table
Mixed-rate overtime depends on total eligible hours and the overtime method used for multiple rates; weighted average is common for estimates.
Use the table as a quick audit trail. It gives you a short way to explain the calculation to payroll, a manager, a client, or yourself later when the pay stub or calendar reminder arrives.
Comparison table
| Item | What to use | What to write down |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Time card, schedule, policy, pay stub, contract, PTO balance, benefit notice, or invoice record | Name the record and date |
| Formula | Mixed-rate overtime depends on total eligible hours and the overtime method used for multiple rates; weighted average is common for estimates. | Keep hours, rates, dates, and deductions separate |
| Result | Rate A: 30 hours x $18 = $540. Rate B: 15 hours x $24 = $360. Total straight-time earnings = $900 for 45 hours. Weighted average regular rate = $20. Overtime half-time premium estimate = 5 x $10 = $50. Estimated gross = $950 under a weighted-average method. | Copy the result with assumptions attached |
More realistic variations
Weighted average: total straight-time earnings divided by total hours.
Rate in effect: overtime may use the rate being worked when overtime hours occurred.
Separate employers: do not combine rates across unrelated employers for one overtime calculation.
Policy and edge-case notes
Mixed-rate overtime can be legally sensitive; use the calculator as an estimate and verify with payroll policy.
Shift differential, bonuses, or commissions can complicate the regular-rate calculation.
If the pay stub shows blended overtime, ask for the supporting calculation instead of guessing.
Common mistakes that change the answer
Do not use the lower rate for all overtime without checking.
Do not use the higher rate for all overtime unless the policy says so.
Do not forget to include all overtime-eligible hours before finding overtime.
Related calculators and guides
Open the related calculator: /tools/overtime-pay-calculator/
Holiday Pay Vs Overtime: /guides/holiday-pay-vs-overtime/
How Do Shift Differential And Overtime Work Together: /guides/how-do-shift-differential-and-overtime-work-together/
Open Overtime Pay Calculator