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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/founder-exempt-needs-duties-and-salary

You give an employee the title "Manager" and pay a salary. Does the title alone make them exempt from overtime?

No. Exemption depends on job duties and salary, not the title.

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  1. Yes, any manager title is exempt
  2. Yes, if they are paid by salary at all
  3. No, job duties and salary decide ✔

Why: The FLSA white-collar exemptions require the right job duties and, generally, a salary of at least $684 per week. Job titles do not determine exempt status.

Huh, didn't know that: Highly paid office workers can qualify with a lighter duties test.

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References

Answer: No, job duties and salary decide. The FLSA white-collar exemptions require the right job duties and, generally, a salary of at least $684 per week. Job titles do not determine exempt status.

  1. DOL WHD Fact Sheet 17A: Exemption for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Computer and Outside Sales Employees www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/17a-overtime
    Job titles do not determine exempt status.
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. DOL WHD Fact Sheet 17A: Exemption for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Computer and Outside Sales Employees www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/17a-overtime
    be paid on a salary basis at not less than $684 per week
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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