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The Daily Insight

How do you change non-exempt to exempt?

Author

Henry Morales

Published Feb 10, 2026

When changing an employee’s classification from non-exempt to exempt, employers should first make sure the employee meets all applicable exemption criteria….Non-Exempt to Exempt:

  1. Apply federal and state tests first.
  2. Communicate the change in advance.
  3. Avoid improper deductions.

How do you reclassify employees from exempt to non-exempt?

Practical tips for reclassifying employees from exempt to non-exempt status

  1. Identify positions.
  2. See also: DOL takes aim at white-collar overtime exemption.
  3. Set a date.
  4. Determine pay rates.
  5. Inform employees.
  6. Inform payroll.
  7. See also: Lawsuits pile up against DOL’s overtime rule.
  8. Consider changing the position.

Can you reduce salary of non-exempt employee?

An employer can reduce a non-exempt employee’s salary as long as the employee is compensated at no less than the California minimum wage. In addition, the employer must compensate the employee for any overtime at no less than one and one-half (1 ½) times the minimum hourly wage.

What does non-exempt mean in HR?

Nonexempt: An individual who is not exempt from the overtime provisions of the FLSA and is therefore entitled to overtime pay for all hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek (as well as any state overtime provisions). Salaried nonexempt employees must still receive overtime in accordance with federal and state laws.

What does exempt vs non exempt employee mean?

The primary difference in status between exempt and non-exempt employees is their eligibility for overtime. Under federal law, that status is determined by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Exempt employees are not entitled to overtime, while non-exempt employees are.

Can the same job be exempt and non exempt?

Recently I was asked a question, “Can I have two employees with the same job title, but with different exempt/nonexempt classifications?” The simple answer is yes, this is possible. From a compliance standpoint, federal and California law agree that job title is not determinative of exemption status.

How many hours a day does an exempt employee have to work?

The FLSA does not require employers to pay the federal minimum wage to salaried employees in exempt categories. It also does not set any minimum number of hours for salaried employees. Under the FLSA’s exempt employee rules, exempt employees are not eligible for overtime pay after working 40 hours per week.

What is the difference between an exempt and a non-exempt employee?

How to change an employee from non exempt to exempt?

When changing an employee’s classification from non-exempt to exempt, employers should first make sure the employee meets all applicable exemption criteria. Apply federal and state tests first. Communicate the change in advance. Avoid improper deductions.

How to reclassify an employee from non-exempt?

The following are guidelines to consider when reclassifying employees: Most employees are classified as non-exempt. Very few meet the criteria needed to be considered exempt. When changing an employee’s classification from non-exempt to exempt, employers should first make sure the employee meets all applicable exemption criteria.

Can a non exempt employee work more than 40 hours a week?

Exempt employees can work as many hours are you want them to without increasing their pay. You must pay your Non-exempt employees for every hour they work. They also must receive overtime pay when they reach 40 hours a week (and in some states, if they work more than eight hours in one day). You cannot just say, “I want everyone to be on salary.”

What are the requirements for being an exempt employee?

Exempt employees must generally be paid a predetermined salary regardless of the quantity or quality of work and must meet the minimum salary and duties requirements for the exemption. If there is any doubt as to whether the employee qualifies for exemption, the employee should remain classified as non-exempt.