Exempt employees are typically salaried workers who are not eligible for overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Their exemption status is generally determined by their job duties, responsibilities, and salary level, rather than by the number of hours they work.
Common examples of exempt employees often fall into categories such as executive, administrative, or professional roles. These positions usually involve significant discretion, advanced knowledge, or management responsibilities.
Examples of Exempt Employee Roles
Here are common examples of roles classified as exempt, based on their typical duties and requirements:
| Exemption Category | Examples of Job Titles | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Executive | CEO, Managers, Supervisors, Department Heads, Directors | Primarily manages a department or enterprise, directs the work of at least two employees, and has the authority to hire or fire, or whose suggestions on personnel matters are given particular weight. Includes workers who play a decision-making role in an organization. |
| Professional | Doctors, Lawyers, Licensed Engineers, Registered Nurses, Dentists, Architects, Teachers, Accountants, Scientists | Performs work requiring advanced knowledge, usually acquired through a prolonged course of specialized intellectual instruction (e.g., a degree). These roles typically involve consistent exercise of discretion and judgment. |
Beyond these primary categories, other roles such as certain Administrative positions (those performing office or non-manual work directly related to the management or general business operations of the employer or the employer's customers, exercising discretion and independent judgment) and Outside Sales employees (those who regularly work away from the employer's place of business making sales or obtaining orders/contracts) can also be classified as exempt.
Understanding the specific criteria for each exemption is crucial, as misclassifying an employee can lead to significant legal and financial penalties for employers. For more detailed information on the distinctions, you can refer to resources like The Difference Between Exempt vs. Non-Exempt Employees.
