Wage And Hour Law: Determining Who Gets Overtime

Federal and State law require nonexempt employees to be paid time and one half their regular hourly wage for hours worked in excess of 40 hours in any given workweek.  Overtime is calculated based on an employee's regular hourly wage.¹ Assuming there is no contract or other obligation imposed by Federal or State law, there is no requirement that a nonexempt employee be paid premium overtime compensation for hours worked in excess of eight hours per day, nor for work on Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays, other than the requirement of overtime for over 40 hours per week.

Who Qualifies as a Nonexempt Employee Eligible for Overtime Pay?

Not all employees qualify for overtime pay.  Generally, individuals employed in bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacities are exempt from Federal and State overtime requirements under the so-called "white collar" exemptions.  Qualification for exemption is not determined solely by an employee's title, job