Which job categories are included as exempt employees?

The classification of employees as exempt pertains to their eligibility for overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Exempt employees are typically those whose job duties and salary levels meet specific criteria established by the FLSA.

Administrative and Professional Employees fall within the exempt category because these positions often have job functions that involve the exercise of discretion and independent judgment in significant matters. Administrative employees typically perform tasks related to the management or general business operations of the employer, while professional employees usually possess advanced knowledge in a field of science or learning, which is typically acquired through prolonged formal education.

In contrast, the other categories listed do not meet the criteria for exemption. Temporary and contract workers generally do not have the same levels of responsibility or discretion required for exempt status. Laborers and unskilled workers are fully non-exempt as their roles focus on manual labor and do not meet the requirements for exemption. Interns and trainees often work under close supervision and are typically not engaged in tasks that would classify them as exempt employees. Hence, administrative and professional employees are distinctly recognized as exempt due to their job functions and the nature of their roles within an organization.