| Pay component | Rate | Hours | Weekly total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular pay | $35.00 | 36 | $1,260.00 |
| Overtime (1.5×) | $52.50 | 12 | $630.00 |
| Total weekly gross | $1,890.00 | ||
Nursing compensation is more complex than most professions. Between base pay, multiple shift differentials, overtime at 1.5x, California double time, charge nurse add-ons, and bonuses, the actual total can vary significantly from the base hourly rate. This calculator builds the full picture so you can see what you actually make — and compare offers that look similar on the surface.
The FLSA regular rate calculation. The FLSA requires that overtime be calculated on the "regular rate" — which includes most additional compensation. Shift differentials paid on a per-hour basis are included in the regular rate. This means your 1.5× overtime rate is based on base pay plus any differentials you earn that hour, not just base pay. Employers who calculate overtime on base pay alone are violating FLSA.
State-specific overtime rules. The federal FLSA requires overtime after 40 hours per week. California, Alaska, and Nevada also require daily overtime after 8 hours worked in a single day — so a 12-hour shift always generates 4 hours of overtime pay in those states, regardless of weekly total. Colorado triggers daily OT after 12 hours. If you work in one of these states, the daily trigger often produces more OT pay than the weekly trigger alone.
California double time. California is unique in requiring double time (2× base rate) after 12 hours in a single day, and for all hours on the 7th consecutive workday in a workweek. For nurses on 12-hour shifts who regularly work past 12 hours, double time applies to those extra hours. This significantly increases compensation in California relative to other states.
Travel nurse pay structure. Travel nurse contracts divide compensation between a taxable base rate and non-taxable housing and meal stipends. Overtime is calculated only on the taxable base rate — which is often set deliberately low by agencies to minimize overtime cost. A $3,000/week travel nurse contract with a $20/hour taxable rate accrues overtime at $30/hour, not at the effective $75+/hour rate. Understand this structure before signing.
Mandatory overtime laws. Several states have passed laws limiting mandatory nurse overtime to protect both nurses and patients. California, New York, Oregon, Washington, Texas, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, and others have enacted various restrictions. Some prohibit mandatory OT beyond a set daily limit; others require nurse consent for any extended shift. Know your state's rules before agreeing to mandatory overtime.