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OregonOvertime Rules & Laws (2026)

Last updated: 2026-03-27

Summary: Oregon has its own overtime law that is stricter than federal FLSA. Overtime required after 40 hours per workweek at 1.5x regular rate. Salary exemption threshold: $684/week ($35,568/year).

What are the overtime rules in Oregon?

Weekly Threshold40 hours
Daily Overtime?NoOnly weekly overtime applies
Overtime Rate1.5x regular rate
Follows FLSA?State lawStricter than federal FLSA

How does Oregon differ from federal overtime rules?

Oregon has its own overtime law (ORS 653.261) requiring 1.5x after 40 hours per workweek. Oregon has been expanding overtime protections: agricultural workers gained overtime after 55 hours in 2023, decreasing to 40 hours by 2027. Manufacturing employees working 10+ hour shifts may trigger daily OT in some cases. Oregon's salary exemption threshold is above the federal level. Oregon has three minimum wage tiers (Portland metro, standard, non-urban).

How to Calculate Overtime in Oregon

Example 1: Employee works 45 hours in one week at $20/hr

Hourly rate:$20.00Hours worked:45 hrs/week

40 x $20.00 = $800.00 (straight time) + 5 x $30.00 = $150.00 (weekly OT at 1.5x)

Total pay: $950.00

Example 2: Employee works 50 hours in one week at $14.70/hr (OR standard min wage)

Hourly rate:$14.70Hours worked:50 hrs/week

40 x $14.70 = $588.00 (straight time) + 10 x $22.05 = $220.50 (OT at 1.5x)

Total pay: $808.50

Example 3: Agricultural worker works 48 hours at $16/hr (overtime after 40 hrs by 2027)

Hourly rate:$16.00Hours worked:48 hrs/week

40 x $16.00 = $640.00 (straight time) + 8 x $24.00 = $192.00 (OT at 1.5x)

Total pay: $832.00

Calculate Your Overtime Pay

Enter your details below to see a breakdown of regular, overtime, and total pay.

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This assumes a non-exempt hourly employee. Exempt employees are not entitled to overtime. This calculator provides estimates only — actual pay may vary based on shift differentials, piece rates, bonuses, or other factors. Not legal or payroll advice.

What Counts as "Hours Worked" in Oregon?

Under Oregon law, the following time must be counted as hours worked for overtime purposes:

  • All time an employee is required to be on the employer's premises, on duty, or at a prescribed workplace
  • On-call time when the employee must remain at or near the worksite
  • Travel time between job sites during the workday
  • Mandatory training, meetings, or lectures
  • Meal breaks of less than 30 uninterrupted minutes
  • Rest breaks of at least 10 minutes per 4 hours worked (paid under Oregon law)
  • Time donning/doffing required protective equipment at the workplace

Who is Exempt from Overtime in Oregon?

Salary Threshold$684/week ($35,568/year) — follows federal FLSA minimum (Oregon does not set a higher state threshold)
Exempt CategoriesExecutive, administrative, professional (Oregon applies its own salary basis test that can be higher than federal). Oregon's duties tests generally follow FLSA.
Industry ExemptionsAgricultural workers (phasing in overtime by 2027). Certain canning/processing, fishing. Some domestic workers have modified rules.
To be exempt from overtime, an employee must meet BOTH the salary threshold AND the duties test for their exemption category. If either test is not met, the employee is entitled to overtime.

Overtime Exemption Categories Explained

CategoryRequirements
ExecutiveSalary $684+/week (follows federal FLSA); manages enterprise or department; directs 2+ employees; hire/fire authority
AdministrativeSalary $684+/week; office/non-manual work related to management or business operations; exercises discretion and independent judgment
ProfessionalSalary $684+/week; advanced knowledge requiring prolonged study; or creative work requiring invention/imagination
Computer EmployeeSalary $684+/week or $27.63+/hr; systems analyst, programmer, software engineer
Outside SalesNo salary requirement; primary duty is making sales away from employer's place of business

Must I Pay Unauthorized Overtime in Oregon?

Yes — you must pay for all overtime worked, even if unauthorized.

Oregon employers must pay for all hours actually worked, including unauthorized overtime. Under Oregon's wage and hour laws, an employer cannot withhold pay for time worked. Employers may impose discipline for working unauthorized overtime but must still pay for it.

Common Overtime Violations to Avoid in Oregon

These are the most common overtime mistakes employers make in Oregon. Avoiding them protects your business from costly lawsuits and penalties.

  1. 1.Misclassifying employees as exempt without meeting salary and duties tests
  2. 2.Not paying agricultural workers overtime as Oregon phases in protections (40-hour threshold by 2027)
  3. 3.Failing to apply the correct minimum wage tier (Portland metro vs. standard vs. non-urban)
  4. 4.Off-the-clock work before or after shifts
  5. 5.Averaging hours across workweeks
  6. 6.Not providing required rest breaks and meal periods

Penalties for Overtime Violations in Oregon

Oregon employers who fail to pay overtime face liability for unpaid wages plus penalty wages. Under ORS 652.150, employers who willfully withhold wages owe a penalty of up to 30 days' wages. Employees can also recover attorney's fees. BOLI can investigate complaints and order compliance. Oregon has a strong enforcement mechanism through both administrative and civil court proceedings.

What Oregon Employers Need to Know

  • Oregon requires overtime at 1.5x after 40 hours per workweek
  • Oregon's salary exemption threshold is above the federal level
  • Agricultural workers are phasing into overtime protection (55 hours in 2023, decreasing to 40 by 2027)
  • Oregon has three minimum wage tiers based on location (Portland metro, standard, non-urban)
  • Manufacturing employees may trigger overtime for 10+ hour shifts in some circumstances
  • No general daily overtime requirement, but some industry-specific rules apply

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Oregon have stricter overtime rules than federal?

Yes. Oregon's salary exemption threshold is above the federal level, and the state is phasing in agricultural overtime protections. Oregon's broader coverage makes it stricter than FLSA.

Do farmworkers in Oregon get overtime?

Yes, starting in 2023, Oregon agricultural workers receive overtime after 55 hours per workweek, with the threshold decreasing annually to reach 40 hours by 2027.

This is general information, not legal advice. Requirements change — always verify with the official state agency or a qualified employment attorney. Sources: Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI), U.S. Department of Labor.