Does Walmart Pay Time and a Half? Holiday Pay for Associates
Walmart pays time and a half to hourly associates on designated holidays. Learn which holidays qualify and how holiday premium pay and overtime work together.
M. Imtinan Farooq
Data Engineer & Financial Analyst
Yes — Walmart pays time and a half (1.5x) to hourly associates who work on company-designated holidays. Walmart also pays FLSA-mandated weekly overtime (1.5x after 40 hours) for all hourly roles. Holiday premium pay and regular overtime are separate calculations.
As the largest private employer in the US with approximately 1.6 million associates, Walmart's pay policies affect more workers than any other company. This guide covers Walmart's holiday premium pay schedule, eligibility rules, worked examples, and answers to common questions about Walmart time and a half.
Which holidays does Walmart pay time and a half?
Walmart pays time and a half on six designated holidays. The list has been consistent in recent years:
| Holiday | Pay Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | 1.5x | Time and a half for hourly associates |
| Memorial Day | 1.5x | Always a Walmart premium holiday |
| Independence Day (4th of July) | 1.5x | Time and a half for associates working the holiday |
| Labor Day | 1.5x | Premium holiday for all hourly roles |
| Thanksgiving Day | 1.5x | Walmart stores closed; DC associates may work at 1.5x |
| Christmas Day | 1.5x | Walmart stores closed; select DC associates at 1.5x |
⚠️ Sunday premium pay
Walmart does not pay time and a half for regular Sunday work. Walmart ended its Sunday premium pay program several years ago. Sunday shifts are now paid at the standard base rate.
Walmart holiday pay vs weekly overtime
Walmart pays both holiday premium pay and FLSA-required weekly overtime — and it is important to understand the distinction:
- Holiday premium (1.5x): Walmart company benefit for hours worked on designated holidays
- Weekly overtime (1.5x): Federal law requirement for all hours over 40 in a workweek
If an associate works a holiday during a week with more than 40 total hours, Walmart's payroll system handles the premium calculation. Holiday hours count toward the 40-hour threshold, so working a holiday makes it easier to trigger weekly overtime.
Worked examples: Walmart time and a half pay
Example 1: Store associate at $16.00/hr on Memorial Day
Example 2: Department manager at $20.00/hr on Labor Day
Know your Walmart holiday pay
Check the Walmart OneWire portal or speak with your people lead for the most current holiday schedule. Use the time and a half calculator to estimate your pay for any upcoming holiday shift.
See also: Target · Starbucks · H-E-B · Amazon · Costco · Memorial Day · Labor Day · 4th of July · Thanksgiving · Christmas
Frequently asked questions
Does Walmart pay time and a half for holidays?
Yes — Walmart pays hourly associates time and a half (1.5x) on six holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
Does Walmart pay time and a half for overtime?
Yes — Walmart pays FLSA-required weekly overtime (1.5x) for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
Does Walmart pay time and a half on Sundays?
No — Walmart discontinued Sunday premium pay. Sunday shifts are paid at the standard base rate.
How much is time and a half at Walmart?
Time and a half at Walmart is 1.5x your base hourly rate. For example, if you earn $17.00/hr, your holiday rate is $25.50/hr.
Disclaimer: Walmart policies may change. This guide reflects commonly reported practices as of 2026. Verify with your people lead or HR.
Run the numbers
Calculate this with OvertimeIQ
Convert the rule in this guide into an actual pay estimate, then compare related calculators when state, bonus, tip, or salary rules change the math.
Useful next steps
Calculate Next
Related Tools
Keep Reading
Related Guides
Wage Data & Source Review
Official Labor & Wage Sources
- •U.S. Department of Labor — Overtime Salary Levels
- •U.S. Department of Labor — Fact Sheet #17A
- •U.S. Department of Labor — Overtime Pay
- •U.S. Department of Labor — Fact Sheet #56A: Regular Rate of Pay
- •U.S. Department of Labor — Fact Sheet #56C: Bonuses and Regular Rate
- •29 CFR Part 778 — Overtime Compensation
Educational Disclaimer
This calculator is for estimation only and is not legal, tax, or payroll advice. Actual wage calculations can vary based on local municipal ordinances, specific collective bargaining agreements, salary docking policies, or custom shift arrangements. Always consult official labor departments or qualified professionals for situation-specific guidance.