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Overtime Calculator
Calculate overtime pay using the rates prescribed by the Employment Code Act No. 3 of 2019.
Enter your details
Enter your basic pay and overtime hours to calculate overtime pay.
Overtime Pay in Zambia
Overtime Rates - Employment Code Act No. 3 of 2019
How the Hourly Rate is Derived
| Schedule | Working Days | Monthly Hours | Hourly Rate (K10,000) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-day week (statutory) | 26 | 208 | K48.08 |
| 5-day week | 22 | 176 | K56.82 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the overtime rates in Zambia?
Under the Employment Code Act 2019, overtime on ordinary working days is paid at 150% of the normal rate. Work on rest days and public holidays is paid at 200% of the normal rate.
How do I calculate my hourly rate from my basic pay?
Divide your monthly basic pay by the number of working hours in the month (working days x 8). On a statutory 6-day week (26 days), that is 208 hours. On a 5-day week (22 days), it is 176 hours. For example, K10,000 basic on a 5-day week: K10,000 / 176 = K56.82/hr.
Is overtime calculated on basic pay or gross salary?
Overtime is calculated on basic pay only. Allowances such as housing, transport, and lunch are excluded from the overtime base. Your hourly rate is derived from your monthly basic pay divided by working hours.
What is a rest day under the Employment Code Act?
The Employment Code Act sets a statutory 48-hour, 6-day working week with at least one rest day. Under this framework, Saturday is an ordinary working day and Sunday is the rest day. However, employers who operate a 5-day week (Monday to Friday) effectively designate both Saturday and Sunday as rest days - both attract the 2x rate.
Is overtime mandatory in Zambia?
Overtime must be agreed between the employer and employee. The Employment Code Act limits ordinary working hours to 48 per week. Any hours worked beyond this are considered overtime and must be compensated at the prescribed rates.
Can my employer give me time off instead of overtime pay?
Yes. The Employment Code Act allows for compensatory time off in lieu of overtime payment, provided both the employer and employee agree. The time off should be equivalent to the overtime hours worked, calculated at the applicable rate.
Is overtime pay taxed differently?
No. Overtime pay is added to your regular monthly salary and taxed through the same PAYE bands. There is no separate or reduced tax rate for overtime income in Zambia.
How is overtime pay calculated? Show me an example.
Example: Basic pay K10,000/month, 5-day week (22 days). Hourly rate = K10,000 / (22 x 8) = K56.82. Work 10 hours overtime on a regular day at 1.5x = K56.82 x 1.5 x 10 = K852.27. Work 8 hours on a Sunday at 2x = K56.82 x 2 x 8 = K909.09. Total overtime = K1,761.36.
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Learn
How to Calculate Overtime Pay in Zambia 2026
Step-by-step guide to calculating overtime pay in Zambia under the Employment Code Act 2019. Covers ordinary day, rest day, and public holiday rates with real worked examples.
Overtime vs Time Off in Lieu in Zambia - Your Rights Under the Employment Code
Can your employer give you time off instead of overtime pay in Zambia? Understand your rights under the Employment Code Act, how TOIL is calculated, and when you can refuse.
Overtime Rates in Zambia 2026 - Ordinary Day, Rest Day and Public Holiday
Current overtime rates in Zambia for 2026 under the Employment Code Act. Ordinary day at 1.5x, rest day at 2x, and public holiday at 2x - with pay tables at common salary levels.
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Sources
Zamcalc results are estimates only. Figures are based on rates published by official sources. Verify with the relevant authority or a licensed professional before taking any action. Zamcalc is not liable for decisions based on these figures.