Overtime Pay in Singapore

In Singapore, covered employees must be paid at least 1.5 times their hourly basic rate for work beyond normal hours, which is up to 44 hours a week. Overtime is capped at 72 hours a month unless the employer gets an exemption.

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How overtime works: Singapore

• The hours-of-work rules apply to employees covered by Part 4 of the Employment Act. Managers and executives are not covered, and employees outside Part 4 follow their contract.
• Common arrangements are up to 9 hours a day or 44 hours a week for a 5-day week or less, and up to 8 hours a day or 44 hours a week for more than 5 days. Other arrangements, such as averaging over several weeks, exist.
• Overtime pay applies to non-workmen earning a monthly basic salary of S$2,600 or less, and to workmen earning S$4,500 or less. Employees above those levels are covered by their contract.
• The hourly basic rate for a monthly-rated employee is (12 x monthly basic salary) / (52 x 44). Overtime pay is that hourly rate x 1.5 x overtime hours.
• Overtime must be paid within 14 days after the last day of the salary period. Overtime is limited to 72 hours a month, and employees may not work more than 12 hours a day, with exceptions only by exemption.

Example: overtime pay from a monthly basic salary

Source: Ministry of Manpower, Hours of work, overtime and rest days. Rules change and have exceptions, so check the current official guidance or ask a qualified adviser about your case.

Related calculators

See the full overtime pay guide

Frequently asked questions

All figures are estimates before tax, based on the stated hours and weeks. They are for information only and are not financial, tax or legal advice.