{"id":374147,"date":"2017-08-30T13:49:03","date_gmt":"2017-08-30T18:49:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/michigan-law\/michigan-overtime-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-10-06T11:10:28","modified_gmt":"2026-10-06T16:10:28","slug":"michigan-overtime-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/michigan-law\/michigan-overtime-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Michigan Overtime Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Michigan Overtime Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Balrina Ahluwalia, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Michigan<\/span> overtime is extra compensation paid to non-exempt employees<\/span> who work over 40 hours in a single workweek<\/span>. Governed by the Fair Labor Standards Act<\/span> and state wage laws, eligible employees must receive at least time-and-a-half their regular hourly rate<\/span>. Private employers must pay these wages in cash rather than offering compensatory time<\/span> off. Workers facing unpaid wages<\/span> or misclassification can pursue legal recovery through state agencies or civil lawsuits.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Overtime can be a major source of economic opportunity<\/span>, especially for Michiganders who rely on additional income. Michigan\u2019s<\/span> overtime laws<\/span> protect workers from being overworked without fair compensation. Knowing how these rules function<\/a> can make it easier to protect your rights and make informed decisions about your job, your schedule, and your future.<\/p>\n

This guide explains how overtime works in the state of <\/span>Michigan<\/span>. We cover who qualifies, how overtime calculations<\/span> work, and what counts as overtime hours<\/span>. We\u2019ll also review what to do if you\u2019re wrongfully denied overtime pay<\/span> and answer commonly asked questions.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re facing overtime issues, consider talking with a lawyer. A Michigan<\/span>-licensed\u00a0employment attorney<\/a> is best suited to put things in perspective. They can help you understand your various options, allowing you to determine the best way to proceed.<\/p>\n

In the meantime, let\u2019s start with the basics.<\/p>\n

Michigan\u2019s<\/span> Labor Law<\/span> Framework<\/h2>\n

Michigan<\/span> follows both the federal <\/span>Fair Labor Standards Act<\/span> (FLSA<\/span>)<\/a> and Michigan\u2019s<\/span> Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act<\/span> (IWOWA). IWOWA is the state\u2019s main wage-and-hour law. Together, these laws set the basic overtime requirements<\/span> for most Michigan<\/span> employees.<\/p>\n

Who Gets Overtime in Michigan<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

Most workers in Michigan<\/span> are eligible for overtime compensation <\/span>because they\u2019re non-exempt<\/a>. Non-exempt means they\u2019re legally protected by wage laws<\/a> and must get overtime pay<\/span> when they work more than 40 hours in a single workweek<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Overtime pay<\/span> is at least time-and-a-half the worker\u2019s regular wage. A workweek<\/span> is any fixed, repeating seven-day period that your employer chooses.<\/p>\n

Exempt Employees<\/h2>\n

Exempt workers aren\u2019t eligible for overtime. These exemptions<\/span> are narrow and defined by federal rules. They apply to certain executive, administrative, and salaried employees<\/span><\/a> if they meet strict duty tests and salary thresholds under the FLSA<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Here are a few examples:<\/p>\n