Arizona Overtime Law

Arizona Overtime Laws: Understanding Your Rights

Navigating overtime laws in Arizona can be tricky. While Arizona doesn’t have its own comprehensive overtime law, employees are protected by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This means you have rights, even if they’re not explicitly spelled out in Arizona state law.

Key Points About Overtime in Arizona:

FLSA is King: Overtime in Arizona is primarily governed by the FLSA. This means you should receive 1.5 times your regular pay rate for any hours worked over 40 in a single workweek.
No Daily Overtime: Unlike some states, Arizona doesn’t require overtime pay for working more than 8 hours in a day. It’s all about the weekly total.
Arizona Wage Act Matters: Although it doesn’t set specific overtime rules, the Arizona Wage Act is important. It requires employers to pay all wages, including overtime earned under the FLSA, on time. Late payment could mean additional penalties.

Arizona Minimum Wage

Arizona has its own minimum wage law, and it’s higher than the federal minimum wage. In 2024 and 2025, the minimum wage is $14.70 per hour. This rate is adjusted yearly to keep up with inflation.

Statute of Limitations

If you think you’re owed overtime pay, don’t delay. The statute of limitations for unpaid overtime claims in Arizona is generally 2 years under the Arizona Wage Act. However, if your employer’s violation was “willful” (meaning they knew they were breaking the law), you might have up to 3 years under the FLSA to file a claim.

Damages

If you win your overtime case, you might be entitled to:

Unpaid overtime wages: The money you should have been paid in the first place.
Liquidated damages: This is basically “double damages” – an extra amount equal to your unpaid overtime.
Attorneys’ fees and costs: The legal expenses you incurred to get your unpaid wages.

Need Legal Help?

Overtime laws can be complicated, especially when navigating both federal and state regulations. If you believe you have an unpaid overtime claim in Arizona, it’s best to talk to our experienced employment lawyers. They can help you understand your rights and options.