Why use this calculator
Unpaid wages are one of the most common employment law violations and every worker has the right to be paid for work performed. This calculator helps you determine exactly how much you are owed, including regular pay and overtime at the applicable rate. Understanding the total amount helps you decide whether to pursue an informal resolution, file a wage claim with a labor agency, or take legal action.
How to use it
Enter your hourly rate, the number of regular hours you have not been paid for, your normal weekly hours, and the number of weeks unpaid. If you are also owed overtime, select yes and enter the overtime rate multiplier (typically 1.5x for time-and-a-half) and the number of overtime hours owed. The calculator shows your total claim amount including potential penalties.
The formula
Regular Pay Owed = Hours Owed x Hourly Rate. Overtime Pay Owed = Overtime Hours x Hourly Rate x Overtime Multiplier. Total = Regular + Overtime. Penalties estimated at 25% of total owed (varies by jurisdiction). Some jurisdictions impose waiting time penalties of a full day's pay for each day wages remain unpaid after termination.
Worked examples
80 regular hours at $25/hr plus 10 overtime hours at 1.5x rate
Total of $2,375 owed ($2,000 regular + $375 overtime) plus potential $594 in penalties
160 regular hours at $35/hr with no overtime, 4 weeks unpaid
Total of $5,600 owed in regular wages plus potential $1,400 in penalties
When people use it
- Workers calculating exact amounts owed by non-paying employers
- Preparing documentation for wage claims with state labor boards
- Solicitors or advocates quantifying claims for employment tribunal filings
- HR departments auditing payroll accuracy and identifying discrepancies
Tips
- Keep detailed records of all hours worked including start and end times, breaks, and overtime
- Many jurisdictions require employers to provide pay stubs; request them if you have not received them
- Filing a wage claim with your state or local labor department is often free and does not require a lawyer
- Statute of limitations for unpaid wage claims varies by jurisdiction, typically 2-6 years, so act promptly
Questions people ask
- What penalties can employers face for not paying wages?
- Penalties vary by jurisdiction but can include: statutory penalties per pay period per employee, waiting time penalties (up to 30 days of daily wages in some states), liquidated damages (double the unpaid amount in some cases), and attorney fees. Willful failure to pay can also result in criminal charges in some jurisdictions.
- Am I entitled to overtime pay?
- Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), non-exempt employees must receive overtime pay of at least 1.5 times their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Some states have additional overtime requirements. Certain employees classified as exempt (salaried managers, professionals, etc.) may not be entitled to overtime.
- Can I be fired for filing an unpaid wages claim?
- No. Retaliation against employees for filing wage claims is illegal under federal and state law. If you are fired, demoted, or have your hours reduced after filing a wage claim, you may have an additional retaliation claim against your employer.