Which statement best describes non-exempt status under FLSA?

• A. Non-exempt employees are eligible for overtime pay.
• B. Non-exempt employees are always salaried.
• C. Non-exempt employees do not clock in.
• D. Non-exempt employees are exempt from minimum wage.

Answer: (A)

Non-exempt status means an employee is covered by the FLSA overtime rules. If they work more than 40 hours in a workweek, they must be paid overtime at 1.5 times their regular rate. This status also keeps the worker under minimum wage protections, and being non-exempt isn’t tied to being paid on salary or hourly simply—non-exempt employees can be paid either way. Clocking in or out isn’t what defines non-exemption; it’s about whether overtime must be paid and whether minimum wage rules apply. Exemptions exist for certain job duties (like executive, administrative, or professional roles) that are not subject to overtime, but non-exempt workers still receive minimum wage protections.