The rules used
Hourly rate (monthly-paid) = monthly salary ÷ 4.333 ÷ ordinary weekly hours Overtime = hours × hourly rate × 1.5 Sunday = hours × hourly rate × 2 (or × 1.5 if you ordinarily work Sundays), at least one daily wage Public holiday on a workday = the greater of 2 × daily wage, or daily wage + hours × hourly rate Public holiday on a non-workday = daily wage + hours × hourly rate
Ordinary hours may not exceed 45 a week. Sectoral determinations and bargaining council agreements can set different rules for particular industries.
Worked examples
6 hours’ overtime at R45 an hour
Overtime is paid at 1.5 times the normal wage — R67.50 an hour, or R405 for 6 hours.
Breakdown
- Hourly rate
- R45.00
- Overtime at 1.5× Official
- R405.00
- Total
- R405.00
Working 8 hours on a public holiday
When the holiday falls on a normal workday, the employee earns at least double the ordinary daily wage.
Breakdown
- Hourly rate
- R45.00
- Public holiday work OfficialGreater of 2 × daily wage, or daily wage + hours worked
- R810.00
- Total
- R810.00
Frequently asked questions
How is overtime calculated in South Africa?
At least 1.5 times your normal wage for each hour of overtime, or by agreement paid time off. Overtime must be agreed and is limited to 3 hours a day and 10 hours a week.
How much should I be paid for working on a Sunday?
Double your normal wage if you do not ordinarily work on Sundays, or 1.5 times if you do — and at least your ordinary daily wage for the day.
How much do I get for working on a public holiday?
If the holiday falls on a day you would normally work, at least double your ordinary daily wage (or your daily wage plus pay for the hours worked, if more). If it is not a normal workday, your ordinary daily wage plus pay for the hours worked.
What is the BCEA earnings threshold?
R269 600.90 a year from 1 May 2026. Employees earning more are excluded from the BCEA’s overtime provisions and certain other working-time rules; their contract applies.