Georgia Overtime Laws
Georgia follows federal FLSA overtime rules.
Weekly OT Threshold
40 hrs
Daily OT Threshold
None
Double Time
No
Minimum Wage
$5.15
Federal rate
Overtime Rules
| Weekly Overtime | Hours over 40 in a workweek paid at 1.5x |
| Daily Overtime | Not required by state law |
| Double Time | Not required by state law |
| 7th Consecutive Day | No special rule |
Exemptions
The following categories of employees may be exempt from overtime requirements:
Standard FLSA exemptions apply
Important Notes
Georgia's state minimum wage is lower than federal, so federal minimum wage applies to most workers.
State Labor Department
Georgia Economy and Workforce
Georgia's economy secured $20.3 billion in investment and 26,900 new private sector job commitments in fiscal year 2024, earning the state its 10th consecutive year as the #1 state for business. The state is a logistics hub with UPS and FedEx among top employers, has attracted over $27.3 billion in e-mobility investments since 2018, and hosts 33 Fortune 1000 company headquarters in metro Atlanta.
Industries with Common Overtime
These Georgia industries frequently involve overtime work situations:
Logistics and Transportation
Georgia's largest industry, with UPS and FedEx as top employers. Warehouse workers, drivers, and package handlers frequently work overtime, especially during peak shipping seasons.
Film and Television Production
Georgia's film industry generated $4 billion in direct spending, with productions for Marvel, Netflix, and other studios requiring 12+ hour shooting days for crews.
Food Processing
Georgia ranks among the top 10 states for food processing GDP ($11+ billion). Poultry plants and food manufacturers, including Tyson and Pilgrim's facilities, often require overtime during peak production.
Automotive and E-Mobility Manufacturing
With Kia, Hyundai, and Rivian operations creating 32,200+ jobs, automotive plants run multiple shifts with regular overtime during production increases.
Healthcare
Major hospital systems across metro Atlanta and statewide regularly require overtime from nurses, technicians, and support staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Georgia does not have state-specific overtime laws, so federal FLSA applies. Non-exempt employees must be paid 1.5 times their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
Georgia's state minimum wage of $5.15 per hour is below federal law, so the federal minimum of $7.25 applies, making the minimum overtime rate $10.88 per hour. Most Georgia employers pay above these minimums.
Since Georgia has no state wage enforcement agency, you must file with the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division. The Atlanta District Office can be reached at 678-237-0521.
How to File a Wage Claim in Georgia
If you believe you are owed overtime pay, follow these steps:
Document all hours worked and unpaid overtime with pay stubs, timesheets, and other records.
File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division (Georgia has no state enforcement).
Contact the Atlanta District Office at 61 Forsyth Street SW, Room 7M10, Atlanta, GA 30303, or call 678-237-0521.
You can also call the national DOL hotline at 1-866-4USWAGE (1-866-487-9243).
The WHD will investigate and may require your employer to pay back wages plus liquidated damages.
You may also file a private lawsuit to recover unpaid wages, which can include double damages for willful violations.
Important Georgia Consideration
Georgia relies entirely on federal law for overtime enforcement since the state has no overtime statute and the Georgia Department of Labor does not handle private sector wage complaints. However, Georgia's strong employment growth and business-friendly climate means workers should be particularly vigilant about proper classification, as the state's rapid expansion in logistics, film, and manufacturing creates numerous overtime-eligible positions that employers may attempt to misclassify as exempt.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Overtime laws can change and may have exceptions not listed here. For specific situations, consult with your employer's HR department, the state labor department, or an employment attorney.