Holiday Pay Calculator
Instantly compute your earnings if your employer pays a time and a half (1.5×) premium on federal holidays, or check your standard pay if they don't.
Federal law does not require employers to pay time and a half for working on holidays. Premium holiday pay is usually a matter of company policy or employment contract, unless mandated by specific state laws (e.g., Rhode Island or Massachusetts retail laws).
Estimated Results
Do you legally get time and a half on holidays?
Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), employers are not legally required to pay extra for working on holidays like Christmas Day, Thanksgiving, Labor Day, or July 4th. Time and a half on holidays is a matter of agreement between an employer and an employee (or the employee's representative).
However, there are a few exceptions:
- Overtime threshold: If working the holiday pushes your total weekly hours over 40, those excess hours must be paid at 1.5× your regular rate.
- State laws: Rhode Island and Massachusetts have specific laws (like the Massachusetts Blue Laws) requiring premium pay for retail workers on certain holidays, though these are being phased out in some sectors.
- Federal contracts: Employees working on federal contracts may have specific holiday pay entitlements under the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act.
Wage Data & Source Review
Official Labor & Wage Sources
Educational Disclaimer
This tool provides educational overtime estimates based on statutory baselines. It is not formal legal, financial, or tax 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 state labor departments or qualified professionals for situation-specific guidance.