Overtime rules for teachers
Most public school teachers are classified as exempt under the FLSA professional exemption and do not receive overtime. However, paraprofessionals, aides, and some private school teachers may qualify.
- Industry: Education
- Average hourly rate (US): $30.50
- Average weekly hours: 40
Special rules for teachers
- K-12 classroom teachers are typically exempt under the FLSA professional exemption
- Teaching assistants and paraeducators are usually non-exempt and earn overtime
- Coaches receiving stipends may have different OT calculations
- Adjunct/part-time professors may qualify for overtime depending on duties
Are teachers entitled to overtime?
The answer depends on your specific job duties, salary level, and state. Under federal FLSA, most teachers 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 teachers' overtime pay
For most teachers 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.