Key facts about overtime rules in Arizona

Your job is not just how you pay your bills; it can also be part of who you are. While your profession may not define you, you may value having a certain reputation for being a hard worker when you go to work.

Often, those in the “hard-working” category are the ones the boss asks to work overtime. In some cases, instead of asking, a manager will give you more tasks than you can complete in a 40-hour workweek.

Here’s what you should know about the rules regarding overtime in Arizona

Understanding overtime in Arizona

In some states, there are rules that apply to the number of hours you work each day. Arizona, however, follows the federal laws regarding overtime.

If you work more than 40 hours in a week, you are entitled to overtime pay at one and a half times your hourly wage. While your employer can decide when the week starts, it must be consistent. For example, your boss could choose to start the week on Tuesdays, but they must remain consistent with that decision.

What does my boss mean by “unapproved overtime”?

Paying overtime can get expensive. Employers often make rules about requesting overtime hours before working them or give employees a more general statement saying that they may not work unapproved overtime.

It is important to know that your employer must pay you overtime for any hours worked over 40 in a week. However, your employer can also have a policy in place that includes disciplinary action for people who work unauthorized overtime.

If you are in a situation where you worked overtime hours and your employer refuses to pay you, you need to talk to an experienced professional.