Blended Rate Calculator

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Add each pay rate and the hours worked at that rate. The calculator will compute your weighted average blended rate.

Hourly Rate #1

Hours Worked

Hourly Rate #2

Hours Worked

Official Sources & References

This calculator uses data from the following authoritative sources. All tax rates, brackets, and thresholds are verified against official government publications:

This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional or the IRS for guidance specific to your situation.

What Is a Blended Rate?

A blended rate (also called a weighted average rate) is the combined hourly rate when a worker earns different pay rates during the same pay period. It's calculated by dividing total earnings by total hours worked.

💡 Formula: Blended Rate = (Rate1 × Hours1 + Rate2 × Hours2 + ...) ÷ Total Hours

Common Uses for Blended Rate Calculations

FLSA overtime — When an employee works at dual rates, overtime must be paid at 1.5× the blended rate
Multiple job roles — Employees who perform different duties at different pay rates within the same company
Shift differentials — Night shift or weekend rates combined with regular rates
Contractor billing — Calculating a single blended rate for mixed-skill teams
Salary + hourly — Combining a base salary with hourly bonus or commission pay

How FLSA Handles Blended Rate Overtime

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, when a non-exempt employee works at two or more rates in the same workweek, overtime must be paid at 1.5× the weighted average (blended) rate — not 1.5× the higher rate or 1.5× the rate at which overtime was worked.

Example: An employee works 30 hours at $20/hr and 15 hours at $28/hr in one week. Their blended rate is ($600 + $420) ÷ 45 = $22.67/hr. Overtime (5 hours) is paid at $22.67 × 1.5 = $34.00/hr. The extra overtime premium is $34.00 - $22.67 = $11.33/hr × 5 = $56.67.

Blended Rate Calculator — Frequently Asked Questions

What is a blended rate?

A blended rate is the weighted average of two or more hourly pay rates. It's calculated by dividing total earnings across all rates by total hours worked. For example, if you work 30 hours at $20/hr and 10 hours at $30/hr, your blended rate is ($600 + $300) / 40 = $22.50/hr.

How is overtime calculated on a blended rate?

Under FLSA rules, when an employee works at multiple rates, overtime is calculated at 1.5× the weighted average (blended) rate for all hours over 40 in a workweek. First calculate the blended rate, then multiply by 1.5 for each overtime hour.

When do I need a blended rate?

Blended rates are used when an employee works at different pay rates during the same pay period — such as different job duties, shift differentials, or multiple positions within the same company.

Is blended rate the same as average rate?

Not exactly. A simple average gives equal weight to each rate regardless of hours worked. A blended rate is a weighted average that accounts for how many hours were worked at each rate. The blended rate is the legally correct method for calculating overtime under FLSA.

When Do You Need a Blended Rate?

A blended (weighted average) pay rate is required in several common employment scenarios:

Multiple pay rates: If you work two positions at the same employer with different hourly rates (e.g., $15/hr daytime and $18/hr evening), your overtime rate must be based on the blended rate for that week.
Shift differentials: Workers who earn a base rate plus shift premiums need the blended rate calculated to determine correct overtime pay.
Commission + hourly: Employees who earn both a base hourly rate and commissions must blend these to calculate overtime.
Non-discretionary bonuses: Production bonuses and attendance bonuses must be included in the regular rate calculation for overtime purposes.

Blended Rate Formula

The Department of Labor requires the following calculation for the blended (weighted average) rate:

Blended Rate = Total Earnings ÷ Total Hours Worked

For example: You work 25 hours at $15/hr ($375) and 20 hours at $18/hr ($360). Total earnings = $735. Total hours = 45. Blended rate = $735 ÷ 45 = $16.33/hr. Overtime rate = $16.33 × 1.5 = $24.50/hr for the 5 overtime hours.

💡 Common mistake: Many employers incorrectly calculate overtime using only the rate being worked during overtime hours. Federal law requires the blended rate method, and using the wrong rate can result in wage violations.