The FLSA typically classifies exempt employees into three categories: professional, administrative, and executive. Their compensation is not directly tied to hours worked. As such, they don’t have the same protections afforded to the non-exempt majority under FLSA and don’t get paid overtime.
The three most common categories for exempt employees under FSLA are:
- Professional
- Professional jobs typically rely on an employee’s independent judgment and/or discretion and often require specialized education. For example, creative professionals--writers/journalists, artists, musicians, etc.
- Administrative
- Administrative jobs typically involve office or non-manual work that is directly related to business operations or management. For example, human resource officers and payroll specialists.
- Executive
- Executive employees are usually in management, especially those who have the authority to hire and fire/recommend hiring and firing employees. For example, a regional manager who directs the work of at least two or more other full-time employees