Federal law establishes the right to overtime pay, and California has state laws that entitle workers to overtime wages in several additional scenarios. However, quite a few employees will work long hours and have weeks that extend well past 40 hours without any kind of additional compensation.
There is an expectation that salaried workers will put in the number of hours necessary to get the job done without additional pay. Companies tend to demand more of salaried workers because of their increased job security. Unlike hourly workers, salaried workers rarely theme to ask for or receive overtime pay. Is that because all salaried employees are exempt from overtime pay requirements?
Those with low salaries may still have a right to overtime pay
Having a salaried position means having more job stability and predictable income, which can be good for your budget. However, a salaried position could put you at a disadvantage if your employer tries to demand that you work 80 hours a week without additional compensation.
The potential is abuse is serious enough that the federal government creates a minimum salary threshold for exemption. Not every salaried worker makes enough money for their employer to demand uncompensated overtime.
If your weekly paycheck isn’t at least $684, you might not actually be exempt from overtime pay requirements. Your annual salary should be at least $35,568 for your employer to be able to legally avoid paying you overtime wages when you qualify under federal or state rules.
Determining whether your salary makes you exempt from overtime or not I can help you bring a wage claim against your employer if they have violated your rights