Is It Legal To Work 60 Hours A Week On Salary?

Yes, it is generally legal to work 60 hours a week on a salary, but overtime pay requirements depend on whether the employee is exempt or non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Exempt employees are not entitled to overtime pay, while non-exempt employees must receive overtime compensation for hours worked beyond 40 per week​.

Understanding Overtime Laws for Salaried Employees

Whether a salaried worker can legally work 60 hours a week without additional pay depends on overtime exemption status under both federal and state laws.

1. Federal Overtime Laws

• The FLSA requires employers to pay overtime (1.5x regular pay) for non-exempt employees who work more than 40 hours per week.
• Exempt employees (such as executives, administrators, professionals, and certain sales roles) do not qualify for overtime, regardless of hours worked.
• The salary threshold for exemption is $58,656 annually ($1,128 per week) as of January 1, 2025​.

2. State-Specific Overtime Laws

Each state may have different rules for overtime pay. Below are some examples:

California Overtime Laws

• Non-exempt employees must be paid:
  • 1.5x pay for hours worked beyond 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week.
  • Double-time pay for hours exceeding 12 hours in a single workday​

Colorado Overtime Laws

• Employees must receive 1.5x overtime for:
  • Over 40 hours per week,
  • More than 12 hours in a single day,
  • More than 12 consecutive hours

Florida Overtime Laws

• Follows federal FLSA laws: overtime applies only after 40 hours per week, at 1.5x pay.
• No daily overtime threshold​.

Massachusetts Overtime Laws

• Requires overtime pay after 40 hours per week at 1.5x the regular pay​.

Nevada Overtime Laws

• Employees must be paid 1.5x their regular rate for:
  • Over 40 hours per week, or
  • Over 8 hours in a single workday​.

Ohio Overtime Laws

• Follows federal FLSA laws: 1.5x pay for hours exceeding 40 hours per week.
• Employers with annual revenue under $150,000 are exempt from paying overtime​.

Washington State Overtime Laws

• Requires overtime pay after 40 hours per week.
• No daily overtime requirement (except in public works projects)​.

Tracking Overtime Compliance

Employers use time card approval systems to ensure that salaried employees accurately report their hours and comply with state overtime laws. To prevent wage disputes, businesses also implement track billable hours tools to differentiate between regular and overtime work. Additionally, some companies use GPS breadcrumbs to verify employee locations and prevent unauthorized overtime claims, ensuring transparency in payroll management.

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