Which employee category is generally non-exempt from overtime regulations?

Hourly wage workers are typically classified as non-exempt from overtime regulations, meaning they are entitled to receive overtime pay for hours worked beyond the standard 40-hour workweek. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), non-exempt employees must be compensated at a rate of one and one-half times their regular pay for any overtime hours. This classification is based on their hourly wage and the nature of their work, which usually does not involve significant decision-making responsibilities or specialized skills that would qualify them for exemption.

In contrast, professional, executive, and administrative employees often meet specific criteria set forth by the FLSA, which may exempt them from overtime pay. These criteria typically include the level of responsibility, salary thresholds, and the type of work performed. Professionals, for example, usually engage in specialized knowledge work, while executives typically have significant managerial authority. Administrative staff may also fall under exemptions if their role involves high-level office tasks. Hence, those categories may not be eligible for overtime pay, distinguishing them from hourly wage workers who receive additional compensation for extra hours worked.