8-hour daily, 40-hour weekly and 12-hour double-time thresholds
BC Overtime and Double-Time Rules Explained
Learn how British Columbia’s general daily and weekly overtime rules interact without double counting the same hours.
Key point
Under the general rule, time over 8 through 12 hours in a day is paid at 1.5 times, time over 12 is double time, and weekly hours over 40 are time-and-a-half. Only the first 8 hours in each day count toward weekly overtime.
- Calculate each day first.
- Count up to 8 hours per day toward the weekly 40-hour test.
- Add daily and weekly overtime hours only after excluding overlap.
Daily overtime
A 10-hour day produces 2 time-and-a-half hours. A 13-hour day produces 4 time-and-a-half hours and 1 double-time hour under the general rule.
Weekly overtime
Weekly overtime catches schedules such as six or seven shorter days. If the first 8 hours from each day total 45, 5 hours are weekly time-and-a-half.
Agreements and special rules
Averaging agreements, variances, managers, high-technology employees and listed industries can follow different rules. Statutory holidays and the weekly 32-hour rest period also require separate treatment.
Related WageWise resources
Frequently Asked Questions
When does double-time pay apply in British Columbia?
Under the BC Employment Standards Act, double-time (2.0x regular pay) applies to any hours worked beyond 12 hours in a single day, or hours worked beyond 48 hours in a work week.
Official sources
Rules can change and special occupations, agreements or facts can alter the result. Confirm the current official rule for the jurisdiction where the work is performed.