Minimum Salary Requirements for Overtime Exemption in 2026

The federal Fair Labor Standards Act continues to require overtime pay for non-exempt employees who work more than forty hours in a workweek. While federal exemption rules remain unchanged for 2026, several states will increase their minimum salary thresholds for exempt executive, administrative, and professional employees.

Key Updates for 2026

- Federal minimum salary for exemption remains $684 dollars per week.

States increasing minimum salary thresholds on January 1st, 2026, include:
- California – $1,352.00 dollars per week.
- Colorado – $1,111.23 dollars per week.
- Maine – $871.16 dollars per week.
- New York – up to $1,275.00 dollars per week depending on region.
- Washington – $1,541.70 dollars per week.

Because state laws may be more protective than federal law, employers must ensure employees meet all applicable salary and duties tests before classifying them as exempt.

HR Consulting Group can assist with exemption reviews, salary threshold planning, and multistate compliance.