Am I Being Denied Fair Pay if My Manager Duties Match a Cashier’s?

In some workplaces, particularly in the retail industry, employees are given titles like “manager” or “assistant manager” but find themselves performing tasks nearly identical to those of hourly workers, such as cashiers or sales associates. These situations often raise questions about fair pay and labor law compliance.

This practice may be a tactic used by employers to avoid paying overtime wages. Salaried employees classified as “exempt” from overtime protections under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) can be required to work extended hours without receiving additional pay. However, to qualify as exempt, your job duties must meet specific criteria—simply giving you a managerial title while requiring you to perform non-exempt tasks, such as running a cash register or stocking shelves, could violate wage and hour laws.

If you’re salaried but performing duties that are indistinguishable from those of hourly workers and frequently working overtime, you may be underpaid or misclassified. Misclassification is a common issue that denies many employees the pay they are legally entitled to. Employers are required to pay overtime wages for non-exempt employees who work more than 40 hours in a week, regardless of their job title.

At 770GoodLaw, we specialize in protecting workers’ rights and fighting against unfair labor practices. If you suspect that your employer is using your title to deny you proper compensation, contact us today for a free case evaluation. We can help you determine whether your employer is violating wage and hour laws and work to recover the pay you deserve.