Most workers know the basics of overtime law, like the fact that hourly workers should generally receive time-and-a-half pay for all hours over 40 worked in a single week. However, there are a lot of nuances and other aspects of overtime law that, sadly, many workers aren't aware of. As a result, hard-working people are essentially robbed of their deserved overtime pay on a daily basis.

Specifically, there are a few lesser-known facts about overtime regulations that the average employment lawyer would want all workers to be aware of.

You Might Be Entitled to Overtime as a Salaried Worker

One of the most common misconceptions people have about overtime is that you're automatically disqualified from collecting overtime pay if you're a salaried employee. This couldn't be further from the truth; most salaried workers are still entitled to collect overtime pay in special circumstances. There are only a few exceptions to this, such as situations where a salaried employee works in a management position.

Seasonal Workers May Not Be Permitted to Collect Overtime Pay

If you're employed in a seasonal job, there's a good chance you signed paperwork when you were hired on stating that you will not be entitled to overtime compensation. This is quite common in seasonal positions, which are often exceptions to the "rule" of time-and-a-half pay for anything over 40 hours a week.

Each State Sets Its Own Overtime Laws and Regulations

While there are some federal laws in place when it comes to overtime pay, it's important to remember that at the end of the day, each individual state has its own rights to enact and enforce overtime laws and regulations. This is why it's so important to be aware of the specific laws that are followed in your state in regards to overtime pay and just compensation.

Your Best Bet Is to Consult With an Employment Lawyer

If you have any reason to believe that you haven't received overtime pay when you should have, or if you have another legal concern about your wages, your best course of action is to consult with an experienced employment lawyer. He or she will be knowledgeable of your state's laws and how they may apply to your specific situation; if you have a case, a lawyer will also be able to tell you what your case may be worth so that you can begin to seek legal action. Contact a law firm like John H. Haskin & Associates, LLC for more information.