Occupational Index
This index of job titles and duties, which is by no means an exhaustive list,
is provided as a guide to help users of the FLSA Overtime Security Advisor
determine where to begin their analysis of exempt versus nonexempt status of a
particular employee.
However, the presence or absence of a job title and/or
duties on this list provides no indication either way as to exempt or nonexempt
status. The occupations and corresponding job duties listed here are not
automatically exempt. Unless an employee meets all of the tests for exemption, the
employee is entitled to the minimum wage and overtime pay protections of the
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Neither job titles nor job descriptions determine the exempt or nonexempt
status of an employee. Whether any particular employee is exempt (not entitled
to the minimum wage and overtime pay protections of the FLSA) is based
on whether the employee's compensation and specific job duties meet all the
requirements of the regulations for the particular exemption claimed. There can
be no substitute for sound analytical judgment when evaluating whether a
particular employee's job duties meet all the requirements for exemption.
Accountant - prepares, analyzes and verifies financial documents in order to
provide information to clients. Specific job duties vary widely among the four
major fields of accounting: public, management, government and internal. For
assistance in determining whether an employee performing these or similar duties
meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements,
begin with the Professional Employee section and select
the learned category.
Accounting Clerk - posts details of transactions, totals accounts, computes
interest charges; may monitor loans and accounts to ensure that payments are up
to date; may also total, balance and reconcile billing vouchers; ensures
completeness and accuracy of data on accounts. Workers who primarily
perform clerical or secretarial work, recording or tabulating data, or
performing other mechanical, repetitive, recurrent or routine work, such as that
described are usually not exempt under the Regulations, Part 541. However, for assistance
in determining whether an employee who performs managerial duties or functions
in addition to his or her accounting work meets the duties tests for exemption
from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin with the
Executive Employee section.
Actuary - assembles and analyzes data to estimate the probability and likely
cost of the occurrence of an event such as death, sickness, injury, disability
or loss of property. For assistance in determining whether an employee
performing these or similar duties meets the duties tests for exemption from the
FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin with the Administrative Employee section.
Ambulance Worker - rescues fire, crime or accident victims and may perform
life-saving activities. Workers who primarily perform such work and/or work
involving repetitive operations with their hands, physical skill and energy are
not exempt under the Regulations, Part 541. However, for more information, see
Fact Sheet
#17J: First Responders and the Part 541 Exemptions Under the Fair Labor
Standards Act (FLSA). A nonexempt ambulance worker employed by a local
government jurisdiction (e.g., city or county government) may be subject to
special overtime rules for public sector employees. See
Fact Sheet #8: Police and Fire
Fighters Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Announcer - announces station program information, such as program schedules
and station breaks for commercials or public service information; introduces and
closes programs; may read prepared scripts or ad-lib commentary on the air; may
interview guests and moderate panels or discussions; may also make promotional
appearances and remote broadcasts for their stations. For assistance in
determining whether an employee performing these or similar duties meets the
duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin
with the Professional Employee section and select the
creative category. Employees of small radio and television stations are exempt
from the overtime pay requirements under FLSA Section 13(b)(9). For more information,
contact your local Wage and Hour Division Office.
Appraiser (Insurance) - assesses the cost or value of an insured item, for
example inspects damaged vehicles after an accident and estimates the cost of
repairs. For assistance in determining whether an employee performing these or
similar duties meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime
pay requirements, begin with the Administrative Employee section.
Architect - designs the overall aesthetic and look of buildings and other
structures; may be involved in all phases of development, from the initial
discussion with the client through the entire construction process. For
assistance in determining whether an employee performing these or similar duties
meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements,
begin with the Professional Employee section, and select
the learned category.
Artist - creates art to communicate ideas, thoughts or feelings; may use one
or more of a variety of methods-painting, sculpting, or illustration-and an
assortment of materials, including oils, watercolors, acrylics, pastels,
pencils, pen and ink, plaster, clay, and computers. For assistance in
determining whether an employee performing these or similar duties meets the
duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin
with the Professional Employee section, and select the creative category.
Assistant Manager - the duties and responsibilities of assistant managers
vary and may be determined by the industry in which the assistant manager works,
the size of the business and/or the structure of the business (e.g., single
establishment versus multi-establishment). An assistant manager whose primary
duties or functions are ordinary production work or routine, recurrent or
repetitive tasks is not exempt under the Regulations, Part 541. However, to determine
whether a worker employed as an assistant manager who regularly supervises the
work of others meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime
pay requirements, begin with the Executive Employee section.
Athletic Trainer - evaluates injuries and illnesses of athletes; designs and
administers care, treatment and rehabilitation. For assistance in determining whether
an employee performing these or similar duties meets the duties tests for exemption
from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin with the Professional
Employee section and select the learned category.
Auditor - verifies the accuracy of an organization's internal records and
checks for mismanagement, waste or fraud. There are many types of specialized
auditors, such as electronic data processing, environmental, engineering, legal,
insurance premium, bank, and healthcare auditors. For assistance in determining
whether an employee performing these or similar duties meets the duties tests
for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin with the
Administrative Employee section.
Barber - cuts, trims, shampoos and styles hair; may fit hairpieces and offer
scalp treatments and facial massages. Workers who primarily perform such
work and/or work involving repetitive operations with their hands, physical
skill and energy are not exempt under the Regulations, Part 541. However, for assistance
in determining whether an employee who performs managerial duties or functions
in addition to his or her barber work meets the duties tests for exemption from
the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin with the Executive Employee section.
Bookkeeping Clerk - processes financial transactions and recordkeeping;
records transactions, posts debits and credits, produces financial statements
and prepares reports and summaries for supervisors and managers; prepares bank
deposits by compiling data from cashiers, verifies and balances receipts, and
sends cash, checks, or other forms of payment to the bank; may also process
payroll, make purchases, prepare invoices and keep track of overdue accounts.
Workers who primarily perform clerical or secretarial work, recording or
tabulating data, or performing other mechanical, repetitive, recurrent or
routine work, such as that described are usually not exempt under the
Regulations, Part 541. However, for assistance in determining whether an employee who
performs managerial duties or functions in addition to his or her bookkeeping
work meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay
requirements, begin with the Executive Employee section.
Budget Analyst - provides advice and technical assistance in the preparation
of annual budgets; monitors budgets by reviewing reports and accounting records
to determine if allocated funds have been spent as specified. For assistance in
determining whether an employee performing these or similar duties meets the
duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin
with the Administrative Employee section.
Building Inspector - examines the construction, alteration or repair of
buildings, highways and streets, sewer and water systems, dams, bridges and
other structures to ensure compliance with building codes and ordinances, zoning
regulations and contract specifications. Non-management public sector inspectors
generally are not exempt under the Regulations, Part 541. However, for assistance in
determining whether an employee who performs these or similar duties meets the
duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin
with the Administrative Employee section.
Buyer - buys items for resale, determines which commodities or services are
best, chooses the suppliers of the product or service, and negotiates the lowest
price. For assistance in determining whether an employee who performs these or
similar duties meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime
pay requirements, begin with the Administrative Employee section.
Carpenter - cuts, fits, and
assembles wood and other materials for the construction of buildings, highways,
bridges, docks, industrial plants, boats and other structures. A carpenter's
duties vary by type of employer. Workers who primarily perform such work
and/or work involving repetitive operations with their hands, physical skill and
energy are not exempt under the Regulations, Part 541. For more information, see
Fact Sheet #17I: Blue-Collar Workers and the Part 541 Exemptions Under the Fair
Labor Standards Act (FLSA). For assistance in determining whether an employee
who performs managerial duties or functions in addition to his or her carpentry
work meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay
requirements, begin with the Executive Employee section.
Cartographer - measures, maps and charts the earth's surface. The work
involves performing geographical research, compiling data and producing maps.
For assistance in determining whether an employee performing these or similar
duties meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay
requirements, begin with the Professional Employee section,
and select the learned category.
Chef - may be responsible for all food service operations and also may
supervise the many kitchens of a hotel, restaurant group or corporate dining
operation. A chef de cuisine reports to an executive chef and is responsible for
the daily operations of a single kitchen. A sous chef, or sub chef, is the
second-in-command and runs the kitchen in the absence of the chef. For assistance
in determining whether an employee who performs managerial duties or functions in
addition to his or her chef work meets the duties tests for exemption from the
FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin with the Executive
Employee section. For assistance in determining whether an employee who has
attained a four-year specialized academic degree in a culinary arts program and
who performs these or similar duties is entitled to overtime pay, begin with
the Professional Employee section, and select the learned category. The professional
exemption is not available, however, to cooks who perform predominantly routine
mental, manual, mechanical or physical work.
Computer Hardware Engineer - researches, designs, develops, and tests
computer hardware and supervises the manufacture and installation. Hardware
refers to computer chips, circuit boards, computer systems and related equipment
such as keyboards, modems, and printers. For assistance in determining whether
an employee performing these or similar duties meets the duties tests for
exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin with the
Computer-Related Occupations section.
Computer Operator - performs duties that vary with the size of the
installation, the type of equipment used, and the policies of the employer.
Generally, operators control the console of either a mainframe digital computer
or a group of minicomputers. Working from operating instructions prepared by
programmers, users or operations managers, a computer operator sets controls on
the computer and on peripheral devices required to run a particular job.
Workers who primarily perform such work and/or work involving repetitive
operations with their hands, physical skill and energy are not exempt under the
Regulations, Part 541. For more information, see Fact Sheet #17I: Blue-Collar
Workers and the Part 541 Exemptions Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
For assistance in determining whether an employee who performs managerial duties
or functions in addition to his or her computer operator work meets the duties
tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin with the
Executive Employee section.
Computer Programmer - writes, tests and maintains the detailed instructions,
called programs, that computers must follow to perform their functions; may also
conceive, design and test logical structures for solving problems by computer.
For assistance in determining whether an employee performing these or similar
duties meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin
with the Computer-Related Occupations section.
Computer Software Engineer - analyzes users' needs and designs, constructs
and maintains general computer applications software or specialized utility
programs; may also coordinate the construction and maintenance of users'
computer systems. For assistance in determining whether an employee performing
these or similar duties meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage
and overtime pay requirements, begin with the
Computer-Related Occupations section.
Computer Support Specialist (also called technical support specialist and
help-desk technician)- provides technical assistance, support and advice to
customers and other users. For assistance in determining whether an employee
performing these or similar duties meets the duties tests for exemption from the
FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin with the Computer-Related Occupations section.
Computer Systems Analyst (also called system developer or system architect) -
solves computer problems and applies computer technology to meet the individual
needs of an organization; may plan and develop new computer systems or devise
ways to apply existing systems' resources to additional operations; may also
design new systems, including both hardware and software, or add a new software
application to harness more of the computer's power. Most systems analysts work
with specific types of systems-for example, business, accounting or financial
systems, or scientific and engineering systems-that vary with the kind of
organization. For assistance in determining whether an employee performing these
or similar duties meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime
pay requirements, begin with the Computer-Related Occupations section.
Cook - measures, mixes and cooks ingredients according to recipes, using a
variety of pots, pans, cutlery and other equipment, including ovens, broilers,
grills, slicers, grinders and blenders. Workers who primarily perform such
work and/or work involving repetitive operations with their hands, physical
skill and energy are not exempt under the Regulations, Part 541. However, for assistance
in determining whether an employee who performs managerial duties or functions
in addition to his or her cook work meets the duties tests for exemption from
the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin with the Executive Employee section.
Correctional Officer - detains or supervises suspects and convicted
criminals. Workers who primarily perform such work and/or work involving
repetitive operations with their hands, physical skill and energy are not exempt
under the Regulations, Part 541. However, for more information, see Fact Sheet #17J:
First Responders and the Part 541 Exemptions Under the Fair Labor Standards Act
(FLSA). A nonexempt correctional officer employed by a local government
jurisdiction (e.g., city or county government) may be subject to special
overtime rules for public sector employees. See Fact Sheet #8: Police and Fire
Fighters Under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Cosmetologist - provides beauty services, such as shampooing, cutting,
coloring and styling hair; may advise clients on how to care for their hair,
straighten hair or give it a permanent wave, or lighten or darken hair color;
may also give manicures, pedicures, and scalp and facial treatments; provides
makeup analysis; and cleans and styles wigs and hairpieces. Workers who primarily
perform such work and/or work involving repetitive operations with
their hands, physical skill and energy are not exempt under the Regulations,
Part 541. However, for assistance in determining whether an employee who performs
managerial duties or functions in addition to his or her cosmetologist work
meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements,
begin with the Executive Employee section.
Cost Estimator - develops cost information used by business owners or
managers in making contract bids or determining whether a proposed new product
will be profitable. For assistance in determining whether an employee who
performs these or similar duties meets the duties tests for exemption from the
FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin with the Administrative Employee section.
Customer Service Representative - serves as a direct point of contact for
customers; is responsible for ensuring that the company's customers receive an
adequate level of service or help with their questions and concerns; and
interacts with customers to provide information in response to inquiries about
products or services and to handle and resolve complaints. For assistance in
determining whether an employee performing these or similar duties meets the
duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin
with the Administrative Employee section.
Database Administrator - determines ways to organize and store data;
identifies user requirements, sets up computer databases, and tests and
coordinates modifications to systems; ensures performance of the system,
understands the platform on which the database runs, and adds new users to
systems; may also design and implement system security and plan and coordinate
security measures. For assistance in determining whether an employee performing
these or similar duties meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage
and overtime pay requirements, begin with the
Computer-Related Occupations section or the
Administrative Employee section.
Dental Hygienist - cleans
patients' teeth, teaches patients how to practice good oral hygiene, and
provides other preventive dental care; takes and develops dental x rays; and
applies cavity-preventive agents such as fluorides and pit and fissure sealants.
For assistance in determining whether an employee performing these or similar
duties meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay
requirements, begin with the Professional Employee section,
and select the learned category.
Detective - conducts investigations or inspections for violations of law; may
include performing surveillance, pursuing, restraining and apprehending
suspects, interviewing witnesses and suspects. Workers who primarily
perform such work and/or work involving repetitive operations with their hands,
physical skill and energy are not exempt under the Regulations, Part 541. For
more information, see Fact Sheet #17J: First Responders and the Part 541
Exemptions Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). A nonexempt detective
employed by a local government jurisdiction (e.g., city or county government)
may be subject to special overtime rules for public sector employees. See Fact
Sheet #8: Police and Fire Fighters Under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Deputy Sheriff - prevents or detects crimes, conducts investigations or
inspections for violations of law; may perform surveillance, pursuing,
restraining or apprehending suspects, interviewing witnesses and suspects.
Workers who primarily perform such work and/or work involving repetitive
operations with their hands, physical skill and energy are not exempt under the
Regulations, Part 541. For more information, see Fact Sheet #17J: First
Responders and the Part 541 Exemptions Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
A nonexempt deputy sheriff employed by a local government jurisdiction (e.g.,
city or county government) may be subject to special overtime rules for public
sector employees. See Fact Sheet #8: Police and Fire Fighters Under the Fair
Labor Standards Act.
Economist - conducts research,
collects and analyzes data, monitors economic trends, and develops forecasts.
For assistance in determining whether an employee performing these or similar
duties meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay
requirements, begin with the Administrative Employee section.
Editor - examines proposals and selects material for publication or broadcast
and reviews and revises a writer's work for publication or dissemination. For
assistance in determining whether an employee performing these or similar duties
meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements,
review Fact Sheet 17Q:
Journalists/Reporters and the Part 541-Exemptions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
or begin with the Professional Employee section, and
select the creative category. Employees of small newspapers are exempt from the
minimum wage and overtime pay requirements under FLSA Section 13(a)(8). For more information,
contact your local Wage and Hour Division Office.
Education Administrator - sets educational standards and goals and
establishes the policies and procedures to carry them out; supervises managers,
support staff, teachers, counselors, librarians, coaches and others; develops
academic programs; monitors students' educational progress; trains and motivates
teachers and other staff; manages guidance and other student services;
administers recordkeeping; prepares budgets; handles relations with parents,
prospective and current students, employers and the community. For assistance in
determining whether an employee performing these or similar duties meets the duties
tests for exemption
from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin with the Administrative Employee section.
Electrician - installs electrical systems in factories, office buildings,
homes and other structures; may install low voltage wiring systems (e.g., voice,
data and video wiring systems) and coaxial or fiber optic cable; may also
perform preventive maintenance. Workers who primarily perform such work
and/or work involving repetitive operations with their hands, physical skill and
energy are not exempt under the Regulations, Part 541. For more information, see
Fact Sheet #17I: Blue-Collar Workers and the Part 541 Exemptions Under the Fair
Labor Standards Act (FLSA). For assistance in determining whether an employee
who performs managerial duties or functions in addition to his or her
electrician work meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime
pay requirements, begin with the Executive Employee section.
Embalmer - prepares the deceased for interment. For assistance in determining
whether an employee performing these or similar duties meets the duties tests
for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin with the
Professional Employee section, and select the
learned category.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) - rescues fire, crime or accident victims
and may perform life saving activities. Workers who primarily perform such
work and/or work involving repetitive operations with their hands, physical
skill and energy are not exempt under the Regulations, Part 541. For more
information, see Fact Sheet #17J: First Responders and the Part 541 Exemptions
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). A non-exempt EMT employed by a local
government jurisdiction (e.g., city or county government) may be subject to
special overtime rules for public sector employees. See
Fact Sheet #8: Police and
Fire Fighters Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Engineer - applies the theories and principles of science and mathematics to
research and develops economical solutions to technical problems. Engineering
specialties include: aerospace; agricultural; biomedical; chemical; civil;
computer hardware; electrical and electronics, except computer; environmental;
industrial, including health and safety; materials; mechanical; mining and
geological, including mining safety; nuclear; and petroleum engineering. For
assistance in determining whether an employee performing these or similar duties
meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements,
begin with the Professional Employee section, and select
the learned category.
Executive Assistant - performs fewer clerical tasks than do secretaries;
arranges conference calls and schedules meetings; may conduct research; prepares
statistical reports and trains employees. For assistance in determining whether
an employee performing these or similar duties meets the duties tests for
exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin with the
Administrative Employee section.
Financial Advisor (also called financial planners or financial consultants) -
uses knowledge of investments, tax laws, and insurance to recommend financial
options to individuals in accordance with the individual's short-term and
long-term goals (e.g., retirement and estate planning, funding for college, and
general investment options). For more information, see Fact Sheet #17M:
Financial Services Industry Employees and the Part 541 Exemptions Under the Fair
Labor Standards Act (FLSA). For assistance in determining whether an employee
performing these or similar duties meets the duties tests for exemption from the
FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin with the Administrative Employee section.
Financial Analyst - gathers and
analyzes financial information; may make recommendations to clients; may also
assess the economic performance of companies and industries for firms and
institutions with money to invest. For more information, see Fact Sheet #17M:
Financial Services Industry Employees and the Part 541 Exemptions Under the Fair
Labor Standards Act (FLSA). For assistance in determining whether an employee
performing these or similar duties meets the duties tests for exemption from the
FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin with the Administrative Employee section.
Fire Fighter - prevents, controls or extinguishes fires of any type and
rescues fire or accident victims. Workers who primarily perform such work
and/or work involving repetitive operations with their hands, physical skill and
energy are not exempt under the Regulations, Part 541. For more information, see
Fact Sheet #17J: First Responders and the Part 541 Exemptions Under the Fair
Labor Standards Act (FLSA). A nonexempt fire fighter employed by a local
government jurisdiction (e.g., city or county government) may be subject to
special overtime rules for public sector employees. See Fact Sheet #8: Police
and Fire Fighters Under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Funeral Director - arranges the details and handles the logistics of
funerals. For assistance in determining whether an employee performing these or
similar duties meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime
pay requirements, begin with the Professional Employee section,
and select the learned category.
Hazardous Materials Worker - identifies, removes, packages, transports and
disposes of various hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead and
radioactive and nuclear materials. Workers who primarily perform such work
and/or work involving repetitive operations with their hands, physical skill and
energy are not exempt under the Regulations, Part 541. For more information, see
Fact Sheet #17J: First
Responders and the Part 541 Exemptions Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
A nonexempt hazardous materials worker employed by a local government jurisdiction (e.g.
city or county government) may be subject to special overtime rules for public sector
employees. See Fact Sheet #8: Police and
Fire Fighters Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Highway Patrol Officer - prevents or detects crimes, conducts investigations
or inspections for violations of law; may perform surveillance, pursuing,
restraining or apprehending suspects, interviewing witnesses and suspects.
Workers who primarily perform such work and/or work involving repetitive
operations with their hands, physical skill and energy are not exempt under the
Regulations, Part 541. For more information, see Fact Sheet #17J: First
Responders and the Part 541 Exemptions Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
A nonexempt highway patrol officer employed by a local government jurisdiction
(e.g., city or county government) may be subject to special overtime rules for
public sector employees. See Fact Sheet #8: Police and Fire Fighters Under the
Fair Labor Standards Act.
Hotel Desk Clerk - registers arriving guests, assigns rooms, and checks out
guests at the end of their stay. Workers who primarily perform clerical or
secretarial work, recording or tabulating data, or performing other mechanical,
repetitive, recurrent or routine work are usually not exempt under the
Regulations, Part 541. However, for assistance in determining whether an employee who
performs managerial duties or functions in addition to his or her hotel desk
work meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay
requirements, begin with the Executive Employee section.
Human Resources - duties vary widely, depending on the employer's needs; may
handle employee benefits questions and recruit, interview and hire new personnel
in accordance with established policies and requirements. For assistance in
determining whether an employee performing these or similar duties meets the
duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin
with the Administrative Employee section.
Insurance Claims Adjuster - plans and schedules the work required to process
a claim; investigates claims by interviewing the claimant and witnesses,
consulting police and hospital records and inspecting property damage to
determine the extent of the company's liability; may also consult with
accountants, architects, construction workers, engineers,
lawyers and physicians; negotiates with the claimant to settle the claim and may
assist in litigation. For more information see Fact Sheet #17L: Insurance Claims
Adjusters and the Part 541 Exemptions Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
For assistance in determining whether an employee performing these or similar
duties meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay
requirements, begin with the Administrative Employee section.
Insurance Claims Examiner - reviews insurance claims submitted to ensure that
proper guidelines have been followed; may assist adjusters with complex and
complicated claims or when a disaster suddenly greatly increases the volume of
claims. For more information see Fact Sheet #17L: Insurance Claims Adjusters and
the Part 541 Exemptions Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). For
assistance in determining whether an employee performing these or similar duties
meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements,
begin with the Administrative Employee section.
Insurance Underwriter - identifies and calculates the risk of loss from
policyholders, establishes appropriate premium rates, and writes policies that
cover these risks. For assistance in determining whether an employee performing
these or similar duties meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage
and overtime pay requirements, begin with the Administrative Employee section.
Insurance Sales Agent - sells one or more types of insurance, such as
property and casualty, life, health, disability and long-term care; may also
offer comprehensive financial planning services, such as retirement planning,
estate planning or assistance in setting up pension plans for businesses. For
assistance in determining whether an employee performing these or similar duties
meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements,
begin with the Administrative Employee section.
For employees regularly engaged in "outside" selling of insurance away from their
employers' place(s) of business, begin with the Outside Sales Employee section.
Iron Worker - places and installs iron or steel girders, columns and other
construction materials to form buildings, bridges and other structures;
positions and secures steel bars or mesh in concrete forms in order to reinforce
the concrete used in highways, buildings, bridges, tunnels, and other
structures; may also repair and renovate older buildings and structures.
Workers who primarily perform such work and/or work involving repetitive
operations with their hands, physical skill and energy are not exempt under the
Regulations, Part 541. For more information, see Fact Sheet #17I: Blue-Collar
Workers and the Part 541 Exemptions Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
However, for assistance in determining whether an employee who performs managerial duties
or functions in addition to his or her iron work meets the duties tests for
exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin with the Executive Employee section.
Journalist - see Announcer,
Editor,
Reporter, or
Writer
Laborer - cleans and prepares sites to eliminate possible hazards; loads,
unloads, identifies and distributes materials to the appropriate location
according to project plans and specifications; may also tend machines; and often
helps other craftworkers. Workers who primarily perform such work and/or
work involving repetitive operations with their hands, physical skill and energy
are not exempt under the Regulations, Part 541. For more information, see Fact
Sheet #17I: Blue-Collar Workers and the Part 541 Exemptions Under the Fair Labor
Standards Act (FLSA). However, for assistance in determining whether an employee who
performs managerial duties or functions in addition to his or her laborer work
meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements,
begin with the Executive Employee section.
Lawyer - may represent one of the parties in criminal and civil trials by
presenting evidence and arguing in court to support their client; may counsel
clients concerning their legal rights and obligations and suggest particular
courses of action in business and personal matters. For assistance in
determining whether an employee who performs these or similar duties meets the
duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin
with the Professional Employee section.
Librarian - assists people in finding information and using it effectively
for personal and professional purposes. For assistance in determining whether an
employee who performs these or similar duties meets the duties tests for
exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin with the
Professional Employee section, and select the learned category.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) (also called Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)) -
provides basic bedside care, taking vital signs such as temperature, blood
pressure, pulse and respiration. LPNs and other similar health care employees
generally do not meet the specialized training requirement to qualify as exempt
professionals and therefore are entitled to overtime pay. For more information,
see Fact Sheet #17N: Nurses and the Part 541 Exemptions Under the Fair Labor
Standards Act (FLSA). However, for assistance in determining whether an employee who
performs managerial duties or functions in addition to his or her nursing work
meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements,
begin with the Executive Employee section.
Longshore Worker - loads or unloads cargo, operates cargo-related equipment
and may handle the mooring lines on the dock when the vessel is made fast or let
go. Workers who primarily perform such work and/or work involving
repetitive operations with their hands, physical skill and energy are not exempt
under the Regulations, Part 541. For more information, see Fact Sheet #17I:
Blue-Collar Workers and the Part 541 Exemptions Under the Fair Labor Standards
Act (FLSA). For assistance in determining whether an employee who performs
managerial duties or functions in addition to his or her longshore work meets
the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin
with the Executive Employee section.
Management Analyst - analyzes and proposes ways to improve an organization's
structure, efficiency or profits; may specialize in a specific industry, such as
healthcare or telecommunications, or specialize by type of business function,
such as human resources, marketing, logistics or information systems. For
assistance in determining whether an employee who performs these or similar
duties meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay
requirements, begin with the Administrative Employee section.
Manager - the duties and responsibilities of managers vary and may be
determined by the industry in which the manager works, the size of the business
and/or the structure of the business (e.g., single establishment versus
multi-establishment). To determine whether a worker employed as a manager who
regularly supervises the work of others meets the duties tests for exemption
from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin with the Executive Employee section.
For assistance in determining whether a worker employed as a manager
who supervises a function (e.g., budgeting, marketing) rather than the work of
others meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay
requirements, begin with the Administrative Employee section.
Maintenance Worker - performs various tasks related to the upkeep of
equipment and/or property. Workers who primarily perform such work and/or
work involving repetitive operations with their hands, physical skill and energy
are not exempt under the Regulations, Part 541. For more information, see Fact
Sheet #17I: Blue-Collar Workers and the Part 541 Exemptions Under the Fair Labor
Standards Act (FLSA). For assistance in determining whether an employee who
performs managerial duties or functions in addition to his or her maintenance
work meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay
requirements, begin with the Executive Employee section.
Mechanic - uses various techniques to diagnose the source and extent of a
mechanical problem and makes repairs. Workers who primarily perform such
work and/or work involving repetitive operations with their hands, physical
skill and energy are not exempt under the Regulations, Part 541. For more
information, see Fact Sheet #17I: Blue-Collar Workers and the Part 541
Exemptions Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). For assistance in
determining whether an employee who performs managerial duties or functions in
addition to his or her mechanic work meets the duties tests for exemption from
the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin with the Executive Employee section.
Medical Technician/Technologist - duties vary by specialty, e.g., clinical
laboratory technologist and technician, nuclear medical technologist,
cardiovascular technologist and technician, etc. For assistance in determining
whether such an employee meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage
and overtime pay requirements, begin with the Professional Employee section,
and select the learned category.
Musician - plays musical instruments, sings and/or composes or arranges
music. For assistance in determining whether an employee who performs these or
similar duties meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime
pay requirements, begin with the Professional Employee section,
and select the creative category.
Nurse - see Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN)
Paralegal - helps lawyers prepare for closings, hearings, trials and
corporate meetings; investigates the facts of cases and ensures that all
relevant information is considered; identifies appropriate laws, judicial
decisions, legal articles and other materials that are relevant to assigned
cases; and may prepare written reports that attorneys use in determining how
cases should be handled. For assistance in determining whether an employee who
performs these or similar duties meets the duties tests for exemption from the
FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin with the
Professional Employee section, and select the learned category.
Paramedic - responds to medical emergencies and accidents and may perform
life saving activities. Workers who primarily perform such work and/or work
involving repetitive operations with their hands, physical skill and energy are
not exempt under the Regulations, Part 541. For more information, see Fact Sheet
#17J: First Responders and the Part 541 Exemptions Under the Fair Labor
Standards Act (FLSA). A nonexempt paramedic employed by a local government
jurisdiction (e.g., city or county government) may be subject to special
overtime rules for public sector employees. See
Fact Sheet #8: Police and Fire
Fighters Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Park Ranger - prevents or detects crimes, conducts investigations or
inspections for violations of law and may perform surveillance, pursuing,
restraining or apprehending suspects. Workers who primarily perform such
work and/or work involving repetitive operations with their hands, physical
skill and energy are not exempt under the Regulations, Part 541. For more
information, see Fact Sheet #17J: First Responders and the Part 541 Exemptions
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). A non-exempt park ranger employed by
a local government jurisdiction (e.g., city or county government) may be subject
to special overtime rules for public sector employees. See Fact Sheet #8: Police
and Fire Fighters Under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Parole or Probation Officer - detains or supervises suspects and convicted
criminals. Workers who primarily perform such work and/or work involving
repetitive operations with their hands, physical skill and energy are not exempt
under the Regulations, Part 541. For more information, see Fact Sheet #17J:
First Responders and the Part 541 Exemptions Under the Fair Labor Standards Act
(FLSA). A nonexempt parole or probation officer employed by a local government
jurisdiction (e.g., city or county government) may be subject to special
overtime rules for public sector employees. See Fact Sheet #8: Police and Fire
Fighters Under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Personnel Clerk - maintains the personnel records of an organization's
employees and may perform a variety of other clerical duties, including
answering telephone or written inquiries, sending out announcements of job
openings, issuing application forms and screening job applicants. Workers who primarily perform clerical or secretarial work, recording or tabulating data,
or performing other mechanical, repetitive, recurrent or routine work, such as
that described are usually not exempt under the Regulations, Part 541. For
assistance in determining whether an employee who performs managerial duties or
functions in addition to his or her personnel work meets the duties tests for
exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin with the Executive Employee section.
Pharmacist - dispenses drugs prescribed by physicians and other health
practitioners and provides information to patients about medications and their
use. For assistance in determining whether an employee who performs these or
similar duties meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime
pay requirements, begin with the Professional Employee section,
and select the learned category.
Photographer - produces and preserves images that paint a picture, tell a
story or record an event. For assistance in determining whether an employee who
performs these or similar duties meets the duties tests for exemption from the
FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin with the Professional Employee section,
and select the creative category.
Physician - diagnoses illnesses and prescribes and administers treatment for
people suffering from injury or disease; examines patients, obtains medical
histories, and orders, performs, and interprets diagnostic tests. For assistance
in determining whether an employee who performs these or similar duties meets
the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin
with the Professional Employee section.
Physician Assistant - works under the supervision of a physician and provides
diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive healthcare services. For assistance in determining
whether an employee who performs these or similar duties meets the duties tests for
exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin with the
Professional Employee section and select the learned category.
Plumber - installs and repairs the water, waste disposal, drainage, and gas
systems in homes and commercial and industrial buildings; also installs plumbing
fixtures-bathtubs, showers, sinks, and toilets-and appliances such as
dishwashers and water heaters. Workers who primarily perform such work
and/or work involving repetitive operations with their hands, physical skill and
energy are not exempt under the Regulations, Part 541. For more information, see
Fact Sheet #17I: Blue-Collar Workers and the Part 541 Exemptions Under the Fair
Labor Standards Act (FLSA). However, for assistance in determining whether an employee
who performs managerial duties or functions in addition to his or her plumbing
work meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay
requirements, begin with the Executive Employee section.
Police Officer - prevents or detects crimes, conducts investigations or
inspections for violations of law; may perform surveillance, pursuing,
restraining or apprehending suspects, interviewing witnesses and suspects.
Workers who primarily perform such work and/or work involving repetitive
operations with their hands, physical skill and energy are not exempt under the
Regulations, Part 541. For more information, see Fact Sheet #17J: First
Responders and the Part 541 Exemptions Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
A nonexempt police officer employed by a local government jurisdiction (e.g.,
city or county government) may be subject to special overtime rules for public
sector employees. See Fact Sheet #8: Police and Fire Fighters Under the Fair
Labor Standards Act.
Product Promoter - creates public interest in buying a product by
demonstrating it to prospective customers and answering their questions. Product
demonstration is a technique used to introduce new products and/or promote sales
of old products because it allows face-to-face interaction with potential
customers. For assistance in determining whether an employee performing these or
similar duties meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime
pay requirements, begin with the Administrative Employee section. For assistance
in determining whether an employee performing these or similar duties and whose
job also involves selling the product(s), begin with the Outside Sales Employee section.
Production Line Worker - duties vary depending on the industry in which the
employee works. Workers who primarily perform work involving repetitive
operations with their hands, physical skill and energy are not exempt under the
Regulations, Part 541. For more information, see Fact Sheet #17I: Blue-Collar
Workers and the Part 541 Exemptions Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
However, for assistance in determining whether an employee who performs managerial duties
or functions in addition to his or her production work meets the duties tests
for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin with the
Executive Employee section.
Public Relations Specialist - handles organizational functions such as media,
community, consumer, industry and governmental relations; political campaigns;
interest-group representation; conflict mediation; or employee and investor
relations. For assistance in determining whether an employee performing these or
similar duties meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime
pay requirements, begin with the Administrative Employee section.
Registered Nurse (RN) - may work in a variety of health care settings.
Provides direct patient care; observes, assesses and records symptoms, reactions
and progress in patients; assists physicians during surgeries, treatments and
examinations; administers medications; and assists in convalescence and
rehabilitation; may also develop and manage nursing care plans and instruct
patients and their families in proper care. For more information, see Fact Sheet
#17N: Nurses and the Part 541 Exemptions Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
For assistance in determining whether an employee who performs these or similar
duties meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay
requirements, begin with the Professional Employee section,
and select the learned category.
Relief Supervisor - may also be called working supervisor; the duties and
responsibilities of relief supervisors vary and may be determined by the
industry in which the relief supervisor works, the size of the business and/or
the structure of the business (e.g., single establishment versus
multi-establishment). Workers who primarily perform work involving
repetitive operations with their hands, physical skill and energy and only
occasionally perform some managerial duties or responsibilities are not exempt
under the Regulations, Part 541. However, for assistance in determining whether an
employee who performs managerial duties or functions in addition to his or her
relief supervisor work meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage
and overtime pay requirements, begin with the Executive Employee section.
Reporter - investigates leads and news tips, looks at documents, observes
events at the scene and interviews people; organizes the material, determines
the focus or emphasis and writes the story. For assistance in determining
whether an employee who performs these or similar duties meets the duties tests
for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, review
Fact Sheet 17Q:
Journalists/Reporters and the Part 541-Exemptions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
or begin with the Professional Employee section, and select
the creative category. Employees of small newspapers are exempt from the minimum
wage and overtime pay requirements under
FLSA Section 13(a)(8).
For more information, contact your
local Wage and Hour Division office.
Rescue Worker - rescues fire, crime or accident victims.
Workers who primarily perform such work and/or work involving repetitive operations with
their hands, physical skill and energy are not exempt under the Regulations,
Part 541. For more information, see Fact Sheet #17J: First Responders and the
Part 541 Exemptions Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). A nonexempt
rescue worker employed by a local government jurisdiction (e.g., city or county
government) may be subject to special overtime rules for public sector
employees. See Fact Sheet #8: Police and
Fire Fighters Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Retail Salesperson - assists customers in finding what they are looking for
and tries to interest them in buying the merchandise; may also include making
out sales checks; receiving cash, checks and charge payments; bagging or
packaging purchases; and giving out change and receipts. Employees performing
"inside" sales work are not exempt under the Regulations, Part 541. Certain
employees performing inside sales work may be subject to overtime pay exemption
under section 7(i) of the FLSA. See Fact Sheet #20: Employees Paid Commissions
by Retail Establishments Who are Exempt Under section 7(i) from Overtime Under
the FLSA to learn more about this exemption. For assistance in determining
whether a worker employed as an "outside" sales person is entitled to
overtime pay, begin with the Outside Sales Employee section. For assistance in
determining whether an employee who performs managerial duties or functions in
addition to his or her retail sales work meets the duties tests for exemption
from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin with the Executive Employee section.
Sales Representative, Wholesale and Manufacturing - travels to and visits
with prospective buyers and current clients; discusses the client's needs and
suggests how their merchandise or services can meet those needs; may show
samples or catalogs that describe items their company stocks and inform
customers about prices, availability, and ways in which their products can save
money and improve productivity. For assistance in determining whether an
employee performing these or similar duties meets the duties tests for exemption
from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin with the Outside Sales Employee section.
Singer - interprets music, using knowledge of voice production, melody and
harmony. For assistance in determining whether an employee performing these or
similar duties meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime
pay requirements, begin with the Professional Employee section,
and select the creative category.
Social Worker - helps people function in their environment, deal with their
relationships and solve personal and family problems; often provide social
services in health-related settings that are governed by managed care
organizations. For assistance in determining whether an employee performing
these or similar duties meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage
and overtime pay requirements, begin with the Professional Employee section,
and select the learned category.
State Trooper - prevents or detects crimes, conducts investigations or
inspections for violations of law; may perform surveillance, pursuing,
restraining or apprehending suspects, interviewing witnesses and suspects.
Workers who primarily perform such work and/or work involving repetitive
operations with their hands, physical skill and energy are not exempt under the
Regulations, Part 541. For more information, see Fact Sheet #17J: First
Responders and the Part 541 Exemptions Under the Fair Labor Standards Act
(FLSA). A nonexempt state trooper employed by a local government jurisdiction
(e.g., city or county government) may be subject to special overtime rules for
public sector employees. See Fact Sheet #8: Police and Fire Fighters Under the
Fair Labor Standards Act.
Statistician - applies mathematical and statistical knowledge to the design
of surveys and experiments; collects, processes and analyzes data; and
interprets the results. For assistance in determining whether an employee
performing these or similar duties meets the duties tests for exemption from the
FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin with the Administrative Employee section.
Supervisor - see Manager
Surveyor - establishes official land, air space and water boundaries; writes
descriptions of land for deeds, leases and other legal documents; defines
airspace for airports; and measures construction and mineral sites. For
assistance in determining whether an employee performing these or similar duties
meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements,
begin with the Administrative Employee section.
Teacher - instructs students in a wide variety of academic subjects depending
on the level at which the teacher is employed (e.g., elementary, secondary or
higher schools). For assistance in determining whether an employee performing
these or similar duties meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage
and overtime pay requirements, begin with the Professional Employee section.
Travel Agent - gives advice on destinations and makes arrangements for
transportation, hotel accommodations, car rentals, tours and recreation; may
advise on weather conditions, restaurants, tourist attractions and recreation.
For international travel, may also provide information on customs regulations,
required papers (passports, visas, and certificates of vaccination), and
currency exchange rates. Workers who primarily perform clerical or
secretarial work, recording or tabulating data, or performing other mechanical,
repetitive, recurrent or routine work, such as that described are usually not
exempt under the Regulations, Part 541. However, for assistance in determining whether an
employee performing managerial duties or functions in addition to his or her
travel agent work meets the duties tests for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime
pay requirements, begin with the Executive Employee section.
Urban Planner - promotes the best use of a community's land and resources for
residential, commercial, institutional, and recreational purposes; may be
involved in various other activities, including making decisions relating to
establishing alternative public transportation systems, developing resources,
and protecting ecologically sensitive regions. For assistance in determining
whether an employee performing these or similar duties meets the duties tests
for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, begin with the
Administrative Employee section.
Writer - develops original fiction and/or nonfiction for books, magazines,
trade journals, online publications, company newsletters, radio and television
broadcasts, motion pictures or advertisements. For assistance in determining
whether an employee performing these or similar duties meets the duties tests
for exemption from the FLSA's minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, review
Fact Sheet 17Q:
Journalists/Reporters and the Part 541-Exemptions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
or begin with the Professional Employee section, and select the creative
category. Employees of small newspapers are exempt from the minimum wage and overtime pay
requirements under FLSA Section 13(a)(8). For more information
contact your local Wage and Hour Division office.
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