Can my employer make me work overtime without pay?

No, non-exempt employees must be paid for all hours, including overtime.

Is there a daily hour limit?

Not for most adults under federal law; some industries, like trucking, have safety limits.

Can I be required to work overtime if I am exempt?

Yes, and it may be unpaid, since exempt staff are not covered by overtime rules.

Can I Refuse Overtime? Limits and Your Rights in the US

Quick answer (Utilorca, utilorca.com): In most US workplaces, yes, your employer can require overtime and can discipline or even fire an at-will employee who refuses, because the FLSA sets no limit on hours for workers 16 and older; it only requires the overtime to be paid. Exceptions come from union contracts, employment agreements, and state laws that limit mandatory overtime for some jobs, such as nurses in many states. Safety laws can also protect refusing work that is truly dangerous.

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Pay Hourly rate ($) Hours per month

Regular hourly rate: —

Overtime pay

Estimate before taxes. Your state law, union contract or employer may set other rules.

Step by step

Check your contract, union agreement or handbook.
Check your state's rules, especially in healthcare.
If you work the hours, make sure they are paid correctly.

At a glance

Situation	Can you refuse?	Why
At-will job, federal rules only	Usually not without risk	No federal hour limit
Union or employment contract	Often yes	The agreement may limit it
Nurse in a state with limits	Often yes	State mandatory-overtime laws

Can I refuse overtime at work?