Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), many workers in Ohio are entitled to receive overtime pay if they work more than 40 hours in a given week. Overtime pay is calculated at time and a half (1.5 times) an employee’s normal rate of pay. In this article, our Columbus overtime lawyers provide a more detailed explanation of exactly how overtime pay is generally calculated in Ohio.
How Is Overtime Pay Calculated in Ohio: Understanding the Basics
Applying the Time and a Half Standard
The best way to understand how overtime pay is often calculated in Ohio is through an example. Imagine that you are a construction worker who is eligible for overtime pay under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). You make $25.00 per hour. In most weeks, you are scheduled for 40 hours of work. This means that you pre-tax compensation would generally be $1,000 per week.
However, this coming week, your company has a major project that must be completed in Franklin County. As such, your supervisor is scheduling you for additional time. You are set to work 55 hours. Since you are eligible for overtime under the FLSA, your employer must pay you time and a half for those extra 15 hours. To start, this means that you will still receive your standard pay for the first 40 hours ― that being $25 per hour for 40 hours, or $1000 in weekly wages. In addition to that, you are also entitled to receive 15 hours of overtime pay — which must be compensated at a rate of $37.50 (time and a half). This would make your total pay for the week $1,562.50.
The bottom line: When you earn overtime pay in Ohio, every hour worked beyond 40 should be compensated at 1.5 times your normal rate of pay. Your hourly wage for your first 40 hours worked will be unchanged. You will earn overtime wages for any hours worked beyond that.
What to Do If You Were Unlawfully Denied Overtime Pay
If you believe that you were improperly denied overtime pay, you should take immediate action to protect your rights. You only have a limited amount of time to file an overtime claim. As a starting point, you can contact your local office of the Department of Labor. In Central Ohio, the proper DOL office is the Columbus District Office. It is also recommended that you set up a free case evaluation with an experienced wage and hour attorneys.
Get Help From Our Columbus, OH Overtime Attorneys Today
At Coffman Legal, our Ohio wage and hour lawyers have extensive experience handling overtime violation claims. If you believe that you or your loved one is owed overtime pay, we are here to help. To set up a free, no obligation review of your wage and hour claim, please contact our legal team right away. With an office located in Columbus, we handle overtime cases throughout Franklin County and Ohio.
