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FLSA Overtime Eligibility Checker

Provided by Catapult HR — Determine exempt vs. non-exempt status for your workforce.

Salary Threshold Test (2025)

Current federal salary threshold: $58,656/year ($1,128/week) for most white-collar exemptions
Highly Compensated Employee (HCE) threshold: $151,164/year
If an employee earns below the threshold, they are non-exempt regardless of duties
State thresholds may be higher (CA, NY, WA, CO) — always apply the more favorable standard
Salary must be paid on a guaranteed basis, not subject to reduction based on quality or quantity of work

Executive Exemption Duties Test

Primary duty is managing the enterprise or a recognized department
Customarily and regularly directs the work of two or more full-time employees
Has authority to hire/fire or recommendations carry particular weight
Common misclassification: assistant managers who spend most time on non-managerial tasks

Administrative Exemption Duties Test

Primary duty is office or non-manual work related to management or business operations
Exercises discretion and independent judgment on matters of significance
Common misclassification: administrative assistants who follow established procedures (typically non-exempt)

Professional Exemption Duties Test

Learned Professional: Work requires advanced knowledge in a field of science or learning, acquired through prolonged specialized study
Creative Professional: Primary duty requires invention, imagination, or originality in a recognized artistic field
Common misclassification: technicians or paraprofessionals without the required advanced degree

Common Misclassification Scenarios

Salaried employees assumed exempt without duties test analysis
Job titles used as sole basis for classification (title alone never determines status)
Employees reclassified as independent contractors to avoid overtime
Non-discretionary bonuses excluded from overtime rate calculations
Comp time offered to non-exempt employees in the private sector (not permitted under FLSA)

If Misclassification Is Found

Conduct a self-audit of all positions and document findings
Calculate back pay owed (up to 2 years, or 3 years if willful)
Reclassify affected employees prospectively and update HRIS records
Issue corrected pay stubs and communicate changes to affected employees
Consult employment counsel before making corrections to limit liability exposure
Implement ongoing classification review process for new and changed roles

Need expert help implementing these practices? Catapult’s HR team is here for you.

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