Ohio Overtime Laws: What You Need To Know in 2025
Understanding your rights in Ohio when it comes to overtime pay is essential. Overtime pay compensates employees for working beyond 40 hours per week, as governed by state and federal laws. The Fair Labour Standards Act (FLSA) sets the federal standards for overtime regulations, determining who qualifies for overtime pay and who doesn’t. Here is a breakdown of what Ohio workers need to know about overtime laws in 2025.
What Is Ohio’s Overtime Pay Rate?
In Ohio, non-exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay at 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for every hour worked beyond 40 hours per week. This aligns with the federal FLSA guideline. For example, if you earn Ohio’s current minimum wage of $10.70 per hour, your overtime pay rate would be $16.05 per hour. This applies to full-time and part-time workers unless they fall under exempt categories.
New Overtime Threshold for 2025
Starting January 1, 2025, the salary threshold for overtime eligibility has increased as follows:
- Employees earning less than $1,128, up from $844 per week, now qualify for overtime pay
- The threshold for highly compensated employees rises to $151,164 per year, meaning those earning less than this are eligible for overtime pay.
- Ohio’s minimum wage rises to $10.70 per hour for non-tipped workers and $5.35 per hour for those who receive tips. These wage rates apply to employees working for businesses with annual gross revenues exceeding $394,000.
Who Is Exempt From Overtime Pay?
Employees exempt from overtime pay under both Ohio and federal law include the following:
- Executive employees
- Administrative employees
- Professional employees
- Highly compensated employees
- Computer employees
- Outside sales employees
It is worth noting that job duties, not job titles, determine whether an employee is exempt. Additionally, specific roles like live-in babysitters, caregivers, farm workers, and teachers are not covered under Ohio’s overtime laws.
Who Is Eligible for Overtime Pay?
Most hourly workers in Ohio qualify for overtime pay. This includes tipped employees, whose overtime is calculated at 1.5 times their regular hourly rate without deducting their tip credit. Salaried employees earning less than $1,128 per week are also eligible for overtime pay.
Can You Refuse To Work Overtime in Ohio?
Ohio law doesn’t explicitly allow employees to opt out of overtime, so the federal law kicks in. As such, your employer has the right to schedule you to work overtime. If you refuse, you may face disciplinary action or termination.
Penalties for Non-Compliance With Overtime Laws
Employers who fail to comply with overtime laws in Ohio can face harsh penalties, including the following:
- Back pay for unpaid wages
- Liquidated damages equal to 100% of the unpaid wages
- Fines ranging from $500 per misclassified worker
- Penalties ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for willful violations
- Criminal charges for repeated offenses
If you believe your employer has violated overtime laws, you can file a claim for unpaid overtime. In Ohio, the statute of limitations for unpaid overtime claims is two years, so it is crucial to act quickly to avoid being barred from recovering compensation for unpaid overtime hours.
Need Help Navigating Overtime Laws?
If you are unsure how these laws apply to your situation, contact our Columbus wage & hour attorney at the law office of Brian G. Miller CO., L.L.C., today. We can help you navigate Ohio’s labor laws and ensure you are treated fairly.
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/overtime
