BCEA standard: 45 hours/week.
BCEA max: 10 hours/week.
Normal Hourly Rate
R 128,21
OT Rate (1.5x)
R 192,31
Sunday Rate (2x)
R 256,41
Total Overtime Pay (Weekly)
R 1 923,08
The Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) governs overtime in South Africa. Standard overtime is paid at 1.5x the normal hourly rate for hours exceeding 45 per week.
Work on Sundays (for employees who do not normally work Sundays) and public holidays is paid at 2x the normal rate.
The hourly rate for monthly-paid employees is: Monthly Salary x 12 / (52 x Agreed Weekly Hours).
Maximum overtime is 10 hours per week, though this can be extended to 15 hours by agreement for up to 2 months in a 12-month period.
What is the overtime rate in South Africa?
The BCEA mandates overtime at 1.5 times the normal hourly rate. Work on Sundays or public holidays is paid at 2 times the normal rate.
Who is eligible for overtime in South Africa?
Most employees earning below the BCEA earnings threshold (R241,110.59 per year for 2024) are entitled to overtime pay. Senior managers and certain categories may be excluded.
What is the maximum overtime allowed?
The BCEA limits overtime to 10 hours per week, or a maximum of 3 hours per day. Employers and employees can agree to extended overtime up to 15 hours per week for up to 2 months.
How is the hourly rate calculated for monthly-paid employees?
For monthly-paid employees: Hourly Rate = Monthly Salary x 12 / (52 x 45). This gives the normal hourly rate based on a 45-hour work week.
Your rights to overtime pay and how it is calculated under South African labour law
What counts as overtime in South Africa?
Overtime is any work done beyond your normal working hours as agreed in your employment contract, up to the legal maximums. The Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) sets normal hours at a maximum of 45 per week. Any hours worked beyond your normal hours (and agreed by you) are overtime. You cannot be forced to work overtime without agreement.
How is overtime pay calculated?
Overtime is paid at 1.5 times your normal hourly rate. If your normal rate is R100 per hour, overtime pays R150 per hour. Work on Sundays or public holidays (if it is not your normal working day) is paid at double rate — R200 per hour in this example. Your employer can agree with you to give paid time off instead of overtime pay.
What is the maximum overtime allowed?
The BCEA limits overtime to 10 hours per week, giving a maximum of 55 hours total per week. However, a collective agreement can increase this to 15 overtime hours per week for up to 2 months in a 12-month period. Averaging arrangements can also spread hours over a period of up to 4 months.
How is overtime taxed?
Overtime pay is added to your regular income and taxed through PAYE at your marginal tax rate. If your salary puts you in the 31% bracket, your overtime is also taxed at 31%. On R100 per hour normal rate, your R150 overtime pay loses about R46.50 to tax, leaving you with R103.50. The overtime still increases your take-home pay, just not by the full 50% premium.
Who is exempt from overtime pay?
The BCEA overtime rules do not apply to employees earning above the earnings threshold (currently R254,371.67 per year or about R21,197 per month). Senior managers, sales staff who travel and regulate their own hours, and employees who work less than 24 hours per month are also exempt. If you earn above the threshold, your overtime terms are governed by your employment contract.
What about night shift and shift allowances?
Night work (between 18:00 and 06:00) must be by agreement. Employees who work regular night shifts must receive a shift allowance or have reduced working hours. The BCEA requires that night workers be informed of health risks and offered free medical assessments. Night shift allowances in South Africa typically range from 10% to 20% of normal pay.
Can I be paid time off instead of overtime money?
Yes, if agreed with your employer. The time off must be granted within 1 month of the overtime worked. You receive 30 minutes off for every hour of overtime, or 1 hour off for every hour of Sunday or public holiday work. If the time off is not granted within the month, your employer must pay the overtime in cash at the applicable rate.
SARS-Aligned: Based on 2025 SARS rates and thresholds. For personal advice, speak to a qualified tax practitioner.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current HMRC rates and thresholds for the 2025/26 tax year. It does not constitute professional tax, financial, or legal advice. Your actual liability may differ depending on your individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified accountant or tax adviser before making financial decisions. Read our terms