The Short Answer: It Depends
If you're an exempt employee in Texas, the short answer to how many hours you can work is: it depends. A lot.
 |
| How Many Hours Can An Exempt Employee Work In Texas |
What Does "Exempt" Mean?
First things first, what does it mean to be an exempt employee? Essentially, it means you're not eligible for overtime pay. This is because your job is considered to be salaried, and your pay is not based on the number of hours you work.
Tip: Read once for gist, twice for details.
The Magic Number: 40 Hours
While exempt employees aren't entitled to overtime pay, there is still a magic number: 40 hours. This is the standard workweek in the United States, and it's also the number of hours that the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) says exempt employees must work in order to be considered exempt.
QuickTip: Pause before scrolling further.
So, Can I Work More Than 40 Hours?
Yes, you can. But there are a few things to keep in mind:
 |
- The Fluctuating Workweek Method: If your employer uses the fluctuating workweek method, your regular pay rate will be calculated based on your average weekly earnings over a certain period of time. This means that if you work more than 40 hours in a week, your overtime pay will be factored into your regular pay rate, and you won't receive any additional overtime pay.
- The Administrative Exemption: If you're exempt under the administrative exemption, you must perform primarily administrative duties that involve the exercise of discretion and judgment. You must also earn a salary of at least $684 per week ($35,568 per year) as of January 1, 2020.
- The Professional Exemption: If you're exempt under the professional exemption, you must perform primarily professional work in a field of science, engineering, law, medicine, or teaching. You must also earn a salary of at least $684 per week ($35,568 per year) as of January 1, 2020.
- The Executive Exemption: If you're exempt under the executive exemption, you must manage two or more full-time employees, have the authority to hire and fire employees, and regularly exercise discretion and judgment in your work. You must also earn a salary of at least $684 per week ($35,568 per year) as of January 1, 2020.
The Bottom Line
QuickTip: Compare this post with what you already know.
If you're an exempt employee in Texas, you can work more than 40 hours in a week. But it's important to understand the rules and regulations that apply to your specific job. If you're unsure whether you're exempt or not, it's a good idea to talk to your employer or an attorney.
A Few Additional Tips
- Keep Track of Your Hours: Even though you're not entitled to overtime pay, it's still a good idea to keep track of your hours. This can help you determine whether you're being paid fairly and whether your employer is complying with the FLSA.
- Know Your Rights: If you believe that you're not being paid correctly, you have the right to file a complaint with the Department of Labor.
- Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions: If you're unsure about anything related to your employment status or your pay, don't be afraid to ask your employer or your HR department for clarification.
QuickTip: Ask yourself what the author is trying to say.
And Finally, a Word of Advice
If you're an exempt employee, it's important to remember that you're not a robot. You need to take breaks, get enough sleep, and avoid burnout. Working long hours is not sustainable in the long run. So, make sure to take care of yourself and don't let your job consume your life.
I hope you enjoyed this lengthy, humorous post on the topic of how many hours an exempt employee can work in Texas. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
P.S. Remember, this post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any specific questions about your employment status or your pay, it's always best to consult with an attorney.
 |
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
