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SINGAPORE · FOR MANAGERS

MOM overtime calculation

In Singapore, overtime pay is compulsory for employees covered by Part 4 of the Employment Act: non-workmen earning a basic monthly salary of up to S$2,600, and workmen earning up to S$4,500. Managers and executives are not covered. The MOM overtime calculation is: hourly basic rate = 12 × monthly basic salary ÷ (52 × 44), and overtime is paid at least 1.5 times that rate.

Overtime rate (1.5×)S$17.31/h
Overtime pay this monthS$173.08

Formula: 12 × S$2,200.00 ÷ (52 × 44) = S$11.54 an hour. Pay overtime within 14 days of the end of the salary period.

Who gets overtime pay

EmployeeBasic monthly salaryOvertime pay
Non-workmanUp to S$2,600Compulsory
WorkmanUp to S$4,500Compulsory
Managers and executives, or above these limitsAnyAs stated in the contract

Normal hours of work

Overtime is any work beyond the normal hours of work, not counting breaks. The limits depend on how many days a week the employee works.

Days worked a weekNormal hours, up to
5 days or less9 hours a day or 44 hours a week
More than 5 days8 hours a day or 44 hours a week

MOM overtime calculation: 4 worked examples

1. Non-workman, S$2,400 basic, 10 overtime hours

  • Hourly basic rate: 12 × 2,400 ÷ (52 × 44) = 28,800 ÷ 2,288 = S$12.59
  • Overtime rate: 1.5 × S$12.59 = S$18.88 an hour
  • Overtime pay: 10 hours × S$18.88 = about S$188.81 (S$188.80 if you round the hourly rate first)

2. Non-workman at S$2,600 basic, 8 overtime hours (the cap)

  • Formula gives 12 × 2,600 ÷ 2,288 = S$13.64, but the non-workman rate is capped at S$13.60
  • Overtime rate: 1.5 × S$13.60 = S$20.40 an hour
  • Overtime pay: 8 × S$20.40 = S$163.20

3. Workman, S$3,200 basic, 20 overtime hours

  • Workmen are covered up to S$4,500 basic and have no cap: 12 × 3,200 ÷ 2,288 = S$16.78 an hour
  • Overtime rate: 1.5 × S$16.78 = S$25.17 an hour
  • Overtime pay: 20 × S$25.17 = about S$503.50

4. Rest day at the employer’s request, plus 2 extra hours

  • Non-workman, S$2,400 basic, 5-day week. Daily basic rate: 12 × 2,400 ÷ (52 × 5) = S$110.77
  • Works a full normal day on the rest day: 2 days’ pay = S$221.54
  • Plus 2 hours beyond the normal day at the overtime rate: 2 × S$18.88 = S$37.76
  • Total for the rest day: about S$259.30

Rest day work (Part 4 employees)

Who askedUp to half normal hoursMore than halfBeyond normal hours
The employer1 day’s pay2 days’ pay2 days’ pay plus overtime
The employeeHalf a day’s pay1 day’s pay1 day’s pay plus overtime

For public holidays, see the public holiday and rest day pay calculator.

How the calculation works

  • Overtime is any work beyond the normal hours of work, not counting breaks.
  • Hourly basic rate for a monthly-rated employee: 12 × monthly basic salary ÷ (52 × 44). The 44 stays even if the contract says 40 hours.
  • For non-workmen, the hourly basic rate used for overtime is capped at S$13.60, so the overtime rate tops out at S$20.40 an hour.
  • Overtime pay is at least 1.5 × the hourly basic rate, and must be paid within 14 days after the last day of the salary period.
  • The normal limit is 72 overtime hours a month.

What managers should do

  • Agree overtime before it happens and record the hours the same week.
  • Check the basic salary, not the gross: allowances do not count towards the S$2,600 or S$4,500 limits.
  • If someone is regularly near 72 hours, that is a staffing problem, not an overtime problem.

Other Singapore pay calculators

Frequently asked questions

How does MOM calculate overtime pay?

Work out the hourly basic rate as 12 × monthly basic salary ÷ (52 × 44), then pay at least 1.5 times that for each overtime hour. For example, S$2,400 basic gives S$12.59 an hour and an overtime rate of S$18.88, so 10 overtime hours is about S$188.81.

Who is entitled to overtime pay in Singapore?

Employees covered by Part 4 of the Employment Act: non-workmen earning a basic monthly salary of up to S$2,600, and workmen earning up to S$4,500. Managers and executives are not covered by Part 4, so their overtime depends on the contract.

Is overtime calculated on basic salary or gross salary?

On basic salary. Allowances are left out both when checking the S$2,600 and S$4,500 limits and when working out the hourly basic rate.

My contract says 40 hours a week. Do I still divide by 44?

Yes. The MOM formula for a monthly-rated employee uses 52 × 44 whatever the contract hours. Overtime starts once the employee goes beyond their own normal hours of work.

What is the maximum overtime allowed in a month?

72 hours a month, unless MOM has granted the employer an exemption.

When must overtime be paid?

Within 14 days after the last day of the salary period in which the overtime was worked.

What are normal working hours in Singapore?

If the employee works 5 days or less a week: up to 9 hours a day or 44 hours a week. If they work more than 5 days a week: up to 8 hours a day or 44 hours a week. Work beyond these is overtime.

How is rest day work paid?

If the employer asks: 1 day’s pay for up to half the normal hours, 2 days’ pay for more than half, and 2 days’ pay plus overtime for hours beyond the normal day. If the employee asks: half a day’s pay, 1 day’s pay, or 1 day’s pay plus overtime.

General information for managers, checked in November 2026. It is not legal advice, and contracts or company policies may give more. Always check the official source: MOM: hours of work, overtime and rest days.

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