Understanding Pennsylvania Overtime Basics
Overtime pay in Pennsylvania is governed by the Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act of 1968, which aligns closely with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). However, when discrepancies arise, the more employee-favorable standard applies. Non-exempt employees in Pennsylvania are entitled to receive overtime pay at a rate of 1.5 times their regular pay for all hours worked beyond 40 in a single workweek. This is commonly referred to as "time-and-a-half."
It's important to note that Pennsylvania does not mandate overtime pay for hours worked over eight in a day, nor does it require double-time pay. Furthermore, private-sector employers cannot substitute compensatory time off in place of overtime wages. The minimum overtime rate is calculated based on the state's minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, resulting in a rate of $10.88 per hour.