Oklahoma Overtime Laws
Oklahoma follows federal FLSA overtime rules.
Weekly OT Threshold
40 hrs
Daily OT Threshold
None
Double Time
No
Minimum Wage
$7.25
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
Oklahoma follows federal FLSA overtime rules.
State Labor Department
Oklahoma Economy and Workforce
Oklahoma has a GDP of approximately $264 billion, with its economy historically driven by oil and gas production but increasingly diversifying. The Oklahoma City metro experienced 2.1% job growth in 2024, with aviation, aerospace, bioscience, energy, and logistics playing significant roles. The state attracted $7.865 billion in private capital investment in 2024.
Industries with Common Overtime
These Oklahoma industries frequently involve overtime work situations:
Oil and Gas
Drilling crews, refinery workers, and pipeline employees frequently work 60-84 hour weeks during active operations.
Aviation and Aerospace
Aircraft maintenance technicians and manufacturing workers often work overtime to meet production and service deadlines.
Healthcare
Hospital nurses and medical staff work extended shifts to provide continuous patient care.
Construction
Workers on commercial and infrastructure projects work overtime to complete projects before weather changes.
Logistics and Warehousing
Distribution center workers handle overtime during peak shipping seasons and supply chain demands.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Oklahoma does not have state-specific overtime laws. The state follows the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which requires employers to pay non-exempt employees 1.5 times their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Oklahoma's minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, making the overtime rate $10.88 per hour.
No, under the FLSA, Oklahoma employers must pay for all overtime hours worked, even if the overtime was not authorized. While employers can discipline employees for working unauthorized overtime and violating company policy, they cannot withhold payment for hours actually worked.
It depends on the specific job duties and pay structure. While many oilfield workers are entitled to overtime, certain exemptions may apply, including the motor carrier exemption for drivers of vehicles over 10,000 lbs in interstate commerce, or exemptions for employees meeting executive, administrative, or professional criteria.
How to File a Wage Claim in Oklahoma
If you believe you are owed overtime pay, follow these steps:
Before filing, formally ask your employer for the wages you believe are owed to you.
Complete the Wage Claim Form from the Oklahoma Department of Labor website.
Sign the form in front of a notary (you can do this at an ODOL office) and attach supporting documents like time sheets and pay stubs.
Submit the form in person at the Oklahoma City or Tulsa office, or mail it to the Department.
Your employer has 15 calendar days to respond after receiving notice of your claim via Priority Mail.
Important Oklahoma Consideration
Oklahoma permits employers to pay holiday workers at double their regular hourly rate at the employer's discretion, and state employees may receive this benefit. While not required by law, workers in industries like healthcare or hospitality should check their employment agreements and company policies for potential premium pay on holidays that may supplement standard overtime calculations.
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.