Determining Exempt Status
The FLSA provides that
overtime pay is not paid to an employee who is employed in an executive,
administrative, or professional capacity.
To determine whether or not an employee falls within one of these “white
collar” exemptions, the employer must consider both a “salary test” and a
“duties test.” The salary test states
that to be classified as an executive, administrator, or a professional, this
employee receives a pre-determined salary for any workweek regardless of the
days or hours the employee actually worked. The “duties test” looks at the nature of the job—Does
the employee’s “primary duty” require him or her to spend at least 50% of job
time on professional duties that are considered essential and of prime
importance? Is the employee
required to exercise discretion and independent judgment in making significant
decisions without administrative approval?
PRACTICE AREAS:
LANDMARK CASES:
All Offices Are By Appointment Only
Houston:
4615 Southwest Freeway
Suite 700
Houston, Texas 77027
Tel: (713) 893-0022
Dallas
5956 Sherry Lane
Suite 1000
Dallas, TX 75225
(214) 306-6475
Austin
8000 Centre Park
Suite 330
Austin, TX 78754
(512) 879-4175
San Antonio
1100 NW Loop 410
Suite 700
San Antonio, TX 78213
(210) 787-4410
