Overtime pay in Singapore is calculated at 1.5 times an employee's hourly basic rate of pay for hours worked beyond 44 in a week for eligible employees. Different pay rules apply for work on rest days and public holidays. Your eligibility and the exact calculation depend on your job role and salary. To compute your pay accurately, you can use our Overtime Pay Calculator (MOM).
Who is eligible for overtime pay in Singapore?
Eligibility is based on your job role and salary, as defined under Part IV of the Employment Act. Not all employees are covered.
- Employees covered by Part IV of the Employment Act: This is the core group entitled to overtime.
- Workmen: Employees performing manual labor or in specified roles, earning up to S$4,500 monthly.
- Non-workmen: Other employees (excluding managers and executives) earning up to S$2,600 monthly.
- Common exclusions: Managers, executives, and specific professionals are generally not entitled to overtime pay under the Act.
You should refer to the latest MOM guidelines or your employment contract to confirm your specific status and the applicable salary caps.
What is the overtime rate of pay in Singapore?
The standard legal overtime rate is 1.5 times your hourly basic rate of pay. This multiplier applies in two main scenarios:
- For hours worked beyond the statutory limit of 44 ordinary hours in a week.
- For work on a rest day or public holiday, if applicable under specific conditions.
How do you compute the hourly basic rate of pay?
All overtime calculations start with your hourly basic rate. For employees on a fixed monthly salary, MOM's standard formula is:
Hourly Basic Rate = (12 x Monthly Basic Salary) / (52 x 44)
This formula breaks down as follows:
- 12 x Monthly Basic Salary: Calculates your annual basic salary.
- 52 x 44: Represents the total ordinary working hours in a year (52 weeks x 44 hours per week).
Example: With a monthly basic salary of S$2,000:
(12 x 2000) / (52 x 44) = 24,000 / 2288 = S$10.485... ≈ S$10.49 per hour.
How to calculate overtime pay for normal working days
Follow these steps to calculate pay for overtime on a regular workday.
- Find your hourly basic rate using the formula above.
- Calculate your overtime hourly rate by multiplying the hourly basic rate by 1.5.
- Determine total overtime pay by multiplying the overtime hourly rate by the number of overtime hours worked.
Example: An employee earning S$2,400 per month works 3 hours of overtime.
1. Hourly Basic Rate: (12 x 2400) / (52 x 44) = 28,800 / 2288 = S$12.587... ≈ S$12.59.
2. Overtime Hourly Rate: S$12.59 x 1.5 = S$18.89.
3. Total Overtime Pay: 3 hours x S$18.89 = S$56.67.
How to calculate overtime pay for a rest day
Payment for work on a scheduled rest day at your employer's request depends on how long you work.
- For the first 8 hours of work, you are entitled to at least one day's salary.
- For hours worked beyond 8 hours on that rest day, you are entitled to at least two days' salary.
To calculate 'one day's salary,' multiply your hourly basic rate by your normal daily working hours (e.g., 8 hours for a standard workday).
Using an overtime pay calculator (step-by-step guide)
An online calculator automates the complex math. To use one effectively:
- Input your monthly basic salary (exclude allowances).
- Enter your total ordinary working hours in the month (excluding overtime hours that exceed the weekly cap).
- Specify your overtime hours, separating those on normal days from those on rest days or public holidays.
- Review the results. A good calculator will provide a clear breakdown of your gross pay, showing ordinary wages and overtime pay separately.
Our Overtime Pay Calculator (MOM) follows these MOM rules.
Common mistakes to avoid when calculating overtime
Watch out for these common errors to ensure accurate payment.
- Using gross salary: Always use your basic salary rate, excluding allowances and bonuses.
- Forgetting the 44-hour weekly cap: Overtime is payable for work beyond 44 hours in a week, not just beyond your daily shift.
- Incorrect rate for part-time staff: For part-time employees, the hourly basic rate is usually explicitly stated in the contract.
- Miscalculating public holiday pay: If required to work on a public holiday, you are generally entitled to an extra day's salary at the basic rate, or an agreed amount of time off in lieu. This is in addition to your normal pay for that day.
Your next step
Understanding these rules is key to ensuring correct overtime pay. For a precise calculation based on your specific salary and hours, you can use our Overtime Pay Calculator (MOM).
