What are the BCEA overtime rates in South Africa?

Section 10 of the BCEA requires 1.5× the ordinary hourly rate for weekday overtime. Section 16 requires 2× for Sunday work by an employee who does not ordinarily work Sundays (1.5× if they do). Section 18 requires 2× for work on a public holiday when the employee would not ordinarily work that day.

How many overtime hours are allowed?

BCEA limits overtime to 10 hours per week and no more than 12 hours (ordinary + overtime) in a single day, unless a collective agreement extends it. Overtime must also be by agreement.

Does overtime apply to all employees?

No. Chapter 2 of the BCEA — including overtime — does not apply to senior managerial employees, sales staff who travel and regulate their own hours, or employees earning above the BCEA earnings threshold (R261,748.45 per year from 1 March 2025).

How is the ordinary hourly rate calculated?

Ordinary hourly rate = monthly salary × 12 ÷ 52 ÷ ordinary hours per week. Weekday overtime = hourly rate × 1.5 × overtime hours.

Can overtime be paid as time off?

Yes. Section 10(3) allows the employer to grant 90 minutes of paid time off for each hour of overtime instead of the 1.5× premium, or pay ordinary time for overtime hours and add 30 minutes of paid time off per hour — both require a written agreement.

South Africa · BCEA s.10 · s.16 · s.18

Overtime pay calculator (South Africa)

Work out weekday, Sunday and public holiday overtime under the BCEA. Includes the earnings-threshold check so you know when s.10 stops applying by default.

Overtime calculator

Monthly salary (R)Ordinary hours / weekWeekday overtime hours (1.5×)Sunday hoursPublic holiday hours (2×)Employee ordinarily works Sundays (rate becomes 1.5×)

Ordinary hourly rate: R 76.92
Weekday overtime (1.5×): R 461.54
Sunday pay (2×): R 0.00
Public holiday pay (2×): R 0.00
Total additional pay: R 461.54

BCEA overtime rules

Ordinary hours: max 45 hours per week (9 hrs/day on 5-day week, 8 hrs/day on 6-day week).
Overtime: max 10 hours per week, by agreement; total workday max 12 hours.
Weekday overtime is paid at 1.5× the ordinary rate — or time off in lieu (90 min per hour).
Sunday work: 2× if the employee doesn't ordinarily work Sundays; 1.5× if they do.
Public holidays: 2× if the employee wouldn't ordinarily work that day.
Chapter 2 (including overtime) doesn't apply above the earnings threshold.

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Related guides & calculators

BCEA leave calculator →
Annual, sick, family responsibility and parental leave.
PAYE calculator →
Apply SARS PAYE to your regular pay plus overtime.
Notice pay guide →
BCEA notice periods and pay in lieu.
Payslip template →
BCEA-compliant SA payslip you can download.

General information based on the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. Not legal advice.