Use the written policy
Holiday premiums vary widely. Confirm whether the policy pays 1×, 1.5× or 2× and whether paid leave is added separately.
Holiday pay calculator
Apply your employer’s holiday multiplier to worked hours and add other straight-time pay.
Worked example
| Part | Calculation | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday rate | $20 × 1.5 | $30.00/hr |
| Holiday pay | 8 × $30 | $240.00 |
| Other pay | 32 × $20 | $640.00 |
| Gross pay | $240 + $640 | $880.00 |
Frequently asked questions
Is holiday pay time and a half?
Only if an employer policy, agreement or applicable state rule says so. Federal law does not automatically require a 1.5× holiday rate.
Can holiday hours create weekly overtime?
Hours actually worked can count toward the weekly threshold. Paid holiday leave when no work is performed generally does not count as hours worked under the federal rule.
How is holiday pay calculated?
Multiply the regular hourly rate by the holiday multiplier, then multiply that holiday rate by the hours worked.
What this estimate includes
- The entered multiplier comes from the applicable employer policy or agreement.
- All holiday hours entered receive that multiplier.
- Other hours are paid at straight time.
- Any separate weekly overtime is not included.
What can change the result
Check weekly overtime separately
If actual hours worked exceed the weekly threshold, calculate that overtime separately so the same premium is not assumed twice.
Official sources · Reviewed September 21, 2026
- Overtime Pay — US Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division
This is a gross-pay estimate, not legal advice.Every rule and formula we use.