Exempt Salary Threshold by State
Look up the minimum salary required for white-collar exempt status under federal and state law.
Reviewed by theComplianceToolsLibrary Editorial Team · Last updated
Key facts
- Federal standard level
- $684/week ($35,568/year) after the 2024 increase was vacated
- States can set more
- A handful (e.g., CA, NY, WA, CO, AK, ME) require higher salaries
- Salary alone isn't enough
- The duties test must also be met for an exemption to apply
- Figures change
- State thresholds often adjust every year — verify the current number
What is the exempt salary threshold?
To classify a white-collar employee as exempt from overtime, the employer must pay at least a minimum weekly salary. The federal floor is $684 per week ($35,568 per year) after a court vacated the 2024 increase. Meeting the salary is necessary but not sufficient — the employee's duties must also qualify.
Several states set higher salary thresholds — sometimes tied to a multiple of the state minimum wage and adjusted annually — and a few vary the figure by employer size or region. Where a state threshold is higher than the federal one, the state figure controls. Because these numbers move every year, treat this tool as a pointer and verify the current figure with your state agency.
How to use this tool
- 1
Select the state
Choose the state where the employee works.
- 2
Review the threshold
See whether the state follows the federal floor or sets a higher salary.
- 3
Apply the higher figure
Use whichever salary threshold is higher — federal or state.
- 4
Confirm the duties test
Remember the role must also pass the duties test to be exempt.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using the federal $684/week figure in a state that requires more.
- Assuming meeting the salary alone makes a position exempt.
- Relying on a prior year's state threshold after the annual adjustment.
- Overlooking thresholds that vary by employer size or region.
What to do next
- Verify the current state threshold with your state labor agency.
- Run the FLSA Overtime Exemption Checker to confirm the duties test.
- Re-check classifications whenever thresholds adjust, usually each January.
- Reclassify and pay overtime if a salary now falls below the applicable floor.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What is the federal exempt salary threshold in 2026?
$684 per week ($35,568 per year) after a court vacated the 2024 increase. Several states require a higher salary.
Which states have a higher exempt salary threshold?
States such as California, New York, Washington, Colorado, Alaska, and Maine set higher thresholds — verify the current figure, which often changes annually.
Does meeting the salary threshold make someone exempt?
No. The employee must also satisfy a duties test for an exemption to apply.
How often do state thresholds change?
Many adjust every year, often each January, sometimes tied to the state minimum wage.
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