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Do Temps Get Overtime Pay?

July 11, 2022 | Career Blog

Temporary work can be an excellent way to try different jobs, learn new skills, and see what careers might fit you. A temporary job can last for as little as a few months or longer than a year, depending on what each company you work for is seeking and whether you enjoy the work.

Before diving into temporary work, it’s always a good idea to find out what a temporary position entails and what you can expect in this role. For example, you might have questions such as:

  • Do temps get overtime pay?
  • What is the pay scale for temporary work?
  • How can I find out how much I’ll make in my local area?

Let’s find the answers to these important questions as part of your job search.

Are Temporary Workers Eligible for Overtime Pay?

Overtime laws, a minimum hourly rate, and other labor laws are all covered under the Fair Labor Standards Act, more commonly called the FLSA, which was put into place by the Department of Labor in 1938 to protect workers. According to the FLSA, any employee must be paid for overtime if they work more than 40 hours per week unless they fall under certain exemptions.

Exemptions are usually only given to employees who are paid a salary instead of an hourly rate. Salaried employees who are not eligible for overtime payments must also earn at least $684 per week. Non-salaried workers who make more than $107,432 per year are also exempt from overtime payments.

Temporary employees are also protected by the rules and regulations of the Fair Labor Standards Act. If a temporary worker is paid hourly, does not qualify for the exemptions above, and works more than 40 hours a week, they are eligible for paid overtime. This means that the answer to your question of whether temps receive overtime pay is yes!

Temp employees are also protected by equal employment opportunity laws and the guidelines set in place by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA).

Generally, you will be paid 1.5 times your hourly rate when you work overtime. If you make $15 per hour, for example, you’ll be paid $22.50 for every hour you work after you’ve completed 40 hours in one workweek.

Plus, many companies offer time-and-a-half or overtime pay for employees who work certain holidays, such as Christmas, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving Day, and other federal or state holidays.

What Income Rates Can a Temporary Worker Expect in My Area?

Usually, temporary workers are paid at about the same rate as permanent workers in the same job or field. This means that you can base your expected hourly pay rate and weekly, monthly, or yearly income on the average pay rates for whatever jobs you’re interested in.

Finding average pay rates can sometimes be a little tricky, especially when it comes to figuring out how much you might be paid in your state or local region, though. For example, the pay rate in Western U.S. states is much different than in other parts of the country to account for a higher cost of living.

Allegiance Staffing can help take the guesswork out of calculating your expected pay with our handy Income Calculator.

  • Select a job category, sub-category, and role.
  • View the salary range for many skilled positions across various industries.
  • Select your state to view any profession’s low, medium, and high hourly and yearly pay rates.

The income calculator also lets you compare the pay rates for different professions so that you can choose the best type of temporary job to pursue that fits your needs.

Contact Allegiance Staffing to Find Temporary Work Near You

If you’re looking for temporary work, consider finding a job through Allegiance Staffing. Our award-winning agency makes it much simpler to find a job that suits you perfectly. Our helpful team is also available to help answer any additional questions you may have and make the process of finding work quick and enjoyable.

To get started, you can check out the Jobs Board to find available positions in your area. You can also contact Allegiance for more information on what jobs are available near you that are currently not listed on our Jobs Board.During our conversation, we’ll further discuss the compensation that a temporary worker can expect and provide you with additional guidance about finding temporary work. Get in touch with us today to support your job search!