Overtime

Overtime at the rate of time and one half times the employee's regular rate is required for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek for nonexempt employees.

"Comp time" cannot legally be used for nonexempt employees because they must be receive time and one-half for all hours worked in excess of forty in each workweek. The one exception is "time-off plans" where an employer with a two week pay period can provide time off during the second week, at the rate of time and one half, for overtime worked during the first week.
"Hours worked" is broadly defined. It generally includes all time when an employee is required to be on duty or to be on the employer's premises even if no work is performed.

Overtime applies only after 40 hours "worked," not to paid time off such as holidays and vacations. However, paid time off can affect the "regular rate."
The "regular rate" is the hourly rate actually paid the employee for the nonovertime workweek. It includes all remuneration paid to the employee, including commissions, regular bonuses and paid time off.
Exempt employees typically fall into one of four classifications, all defined by regulations.
- Executive
- Administrative
- Professional
- Outside salesperson
Docking salaried exempt employees for partial day absences may result in the employee being deemed by the Wage and Hour Division to be paid on an hourly basis and therefore to be nonexempt.