Overtime rules for office workers
Office workers may be exempt or non-exempt depending on their salary level and job duties. The 2024 salary threshold is $43,888/year (rising to $58,656 in 2025).
- Industry: Administration
- Average hourly rate (US): $24.00
- Average weekly hours: 40
Special rules for office workers
- Salary threshold for exemption: $43,888/year ($844/week) as of July 2024
- Rising to $58,656/year in January 2025
- Administrative exemption requires "discretion and independent judgment" duties
- Highly compensated employees (HCE): $132,964 threshold (rising to $151,164)
Are office workers entitled to overtime?
The answer depends on your specific job duties, salary level, and state. Under federal FLSA, most office workers are non-exempt and entitled to time-and-a-half pay for hours worked beyond 40 per week. Some categories — like senior-level or specifically exempt roles — may not qualify.
To determine your status, ask: Are you paid hourly, or do you earn at least $43,888/year on a salary basis? Do your job duties match the FLSA's exemption tests (executive, administrative, or professional)? If you're unsure, the calculator above will help estimate your OT pay assuming you're non-exempt.
How to calculate office workers' overtime pay
For most office workers working under federal FLSA rules:
- Identify your regular hourly rate. If salaried, divide your weekly salary by 40.
- Track all hours worked in the workweek. Include training, mandatory meetings, and any pre/post-shift duties.
- Subtract 40 to find OT hours. All hours over 40 are overtime.
- Multiply OT hours by your rate × 1.5. This is your overtime pay.
- Add regular pay (40 × rate) to OT pay for your gross weekly total.