Does federal law require holiday pay in the US?
No. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) does not require payment for holidays not worked, nor premium pay for working a holiday. Holiday pay and premiums are a matter of employer policy, employment contract, or collective bargaining agreement. A few states have limited premium-pay rules for certain industries.
Do holiday hours count toward overtime?
Under the FLSA, overtime is based on hours actually worked over 40 in a workweek. Paid holiday hours where you did not work generally do NOT count toward the 40-hour overtime threshold. Only hours actually worked count, so a paid day off does not by itself trigger overtime.
Is my employer required to pay time-and-a-half on holidays?
Not under federal law. Time-and-a-half or double time for holiday work is entirely a matter of employer policy or contract. Many employers offer it voluntarily to attract holiday staffing, but there is no FLSA requirement. Check your employee handbook or CBA.
Which states have special holiday pay rules?
Rhode Island and Massachusetts historically had 'blue laws' requiring premium pay for certain retail work on Sundays and holidays, though Massachusetts is phasing out its Sunday/holiday premium. Most other states leave holiday pay entirely to employer discretion.