Overtime pay in Illinois is typically paid at time and a half. This is fairly common across most states, although there are some states – such as California – that sometimes authorize double pay. The first important point to note is that Illinois uses the time-and-a-half standard.
But when is overtime actually owed? Overtime pay is required any time you work more than 40 hours in a single workweek. Different employers may define a workweek slightly differently, although Monday through Friday is the most common. If you work 45 hours in one week, you are paid your regular rate for the first 40 hours and 1.5 times your regular rate for the remaining five hours.
Importantly, this means it does not matter how many hours you work in a single day. For example, if you work 10 hours on Monday, that alone does not automatically qualify you for overtime pay. Overtime only applies once you exceed 40 total hours in the workweek.
Does this apply on Sundays or holidays?
No, you do not automatically receive overtime pay for working on a Sunday or a holiday. You may receive overtime if those hours push you over 40 hours for the workweek, but you may not if your totals are still within that range.
This is why it is important to understand how your employer defines a workweek. Sunday may be considered part of the standard workweek, and working that day alone does not necessarily entitle you to overtime pay. However, if you work 40 hours Monday through Friday and are then asked to work additional hours on Sunday, those extra hours may qualify for time and a half.
While every situation is unique, it is important to understand your wage and hour rights as an employee and what steps to take if a dispute arises.
