Overtime pay is one of the most common payroll queries in Zambia. Whether you work a 5-day or 6-day week, understanding how your overtime is calculated helps you verify your payslip and know your rights. Use our overtime calculator to compute your overtime pay instantly.
Employment Code Act Section 45 - Overtime Provisions
The Employment Code Act No. 3 of 2019, Section 45 governs overtime pay in Zambia. It sets out three distinct rates depending on when the overtime is worked.
The Three Overtime Rates
Ordinary day (Monday to Saturday) - 1.5x your hourly rate
Rest day (typically Sunday) - 2x your hourly rate
Public holiday - 2x your hourly rate
The statutory working week is 48 hours over 6 days (Monday to Saturday), with Sunday as the rest day. Under this framework, Saturday is an ordinary working day attracting 1.5x. However, employers who operate a 5-day week (Monday to Friday) designate both Saturday and Sunday as rest days - both attract 2x.
Overtime Is Calculated on Basic Pay Only
Important: overtime is calculated on your basic pay only - not your gross salary. This means allowances such as housing, transport, and lunch allowances are excluded from the calculation.
How to Derive Your Hourly Rate
Step 1: Identify Your Basic Pay
Look at your payslip and find the basic pay line. Exclude all allowances (housing, transport, lunch, fuel, etc.).
Step 2: Determine Your Working Days Per Month
6-day week (statutory): 26 working days per month
5-day week: 22 working days per month
Step 3: Calculate Your Hourly Rate
Hourly rate = Basic pay / (Working days x 8 hours)Worked Example 1 - 5-Day Week, Rest Day Overtime
An employee earns K15,092 basic pay and works a 5-day week (22 working days). They work 16 hours of overtime on a rest day (Sunday).
Hourly rate = K15,092 / (22 x 8) = K15,092 / 176 = K85.75
Overtime pay = K85.75 x 16 hours x 2.0 = K2,744.00
Worked Example 2 - 6-Day Week, Ordinary Day Overtime
An employee earns K10,000 basic pay and works a 6-day week (26 working days). They work 10 hours of overtime on a Wednesday.
Hourly rate = K10,000 / (26 x 8) = K10,000 / 208 = K48.08
Overtime pay = K48.08 x 10 hours x 1.5 = K721.15
Overtime Is Taxable
Overtime pay is added to your gross salary for PAYE purposes. It is not taxed at a separate rate - it simply increases your total taxable income for the month. Use the PAYE calculator to see how overtime affects your take-home pay.
For a full breakdown of rates at different salary levels, see our guide on overtime rates in Zambia for 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum number of overtime hours allowed in Zambia?
The Employment Code Act does not specify a maximum number of overtime hours. However, overtime must be mutually agreed between employer and employee, and employers have a duty of care regarding employee welfare and working conditions.
Do part-time workers qualify for overtime in Zambia?
Yes. Part-time employees who work beyond their agreed hours are entitled to overtime pay at the same rates as full-time employees under the Employment Code Act.
Is overtime paid during probation in Zambia?
Yes. Probationary employees are entitled to overtime pay. The Employment Code Act does not exclude probationary employees from overtime provisions.