Cashier Overtime Pay Calculation Under New York Laws

Cashier Overtime Pay Calculation in New York: Key Takeaways

• Cashiers in New York are typically non-exempt and entitled to overtime pay for hours over 40 per week.
• Overtime rate is 1.5 times the regular hourly wage, with New York City minimum wage at $16.50/hr (overtime $24.75/hr) and rest of state at $15.50/hr (overtime $23.25/hr) as of 2025.
• Claims for unpaid overtime can be filed within six years under New York law, and employers must keep accurate payroll and hour records.

Understanding how to calculate overtime pay for cashiers in New York ensures compliance with labor laws and fair employee compensation.

This article explains New York cashier overtime rules, wage thresholds, and proper calculation methods.

Employers looking to hire effectively can benefit from our guide on how to hire a cashier to ensure they select the right candidates.

1. Overview of Cashier Overtime Pay Under New York Laws

Under both New York State and federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regulations, cashiers are classified as non-exempt employees.

This classification requires employers to pay overtime wages for any hours worked over 40 in a workweek at a rate of 1.5 times the employee’s regular hourly wage.

For example, if a cashier works 45 hours in a week, the first 40 hours are paid at their normal rate, while the extra 5 hours are compensated at overtime rates.

Learn more about the cashier job description to better understand this role for your hiring and management needs.

2. New York Minimum Wage and Overtime Rates for Cashiers

New York's minimum wage varies by location:

• New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County: As of January 1, 2025, the minimum wage is $16.50 per hour.
• Rest of New York State: Minimum wage is set at $15.50 per hour.

The corresponding overtime rates for cashiers in these regions are calculated as follows:

• New York City and applicable counties: $16.50 x 1.5 = $24.75 per hour for overtime.
• Remaining areas: $15.50 x 1.5 = $23.25 per hour for overtime.

Example of Overtime Pay Calculation for a New York City Cashier

If a cashier in New York City clocks 45 total hours in one workweek:

• Regular pay: 40 hours x $16.50 = $660
• Overtime pay: 5 hours x $24.75 = $123.75
• Total pay for the week: $660 + $123.75 = $783.75

3. Overtime Exemptions and Eligibility for Cashiers in New York

While certain employees such as executive or administrative staff may be exempt from overtime rules, cashiers generally do not qualify for these exemptions.

To be exempt in New York City and nearby counties, an employee must earn at least $1,200 weekly ($62,400 annually), which usually excludes cashiers.

Outside those regions, the exemption threshold is $1,124.20 weekly ($58,458.40 annually).

As most cashiers earn hourly and below these thresholds, they remain eligible for overtime compensation.

For insight into wage considerations and negotiation tips, see our detailed cashier salary guide.

4. Important Considerations for Cashier Overtime Payments in New York

Recordkeeping Requirements for Employers

Employers must maintain accurate, up-to-date records of cashiers' hours worked and wages paid to comply with New York labor laws.

These records serve as essential documentation to verify proper payment of overtime.

Employees are encouraged to keep personal records of their hours and pay as an additional safeguard against errors.

Good recordkeeping practices are covered in our article on pay stub essentials employers can't ignore.

Time Limitations for Filing Unpaid Overtime Claims

Under New York State law, employees have up to six years to file claims related to unpaid overtime wages.

This extended time frame provides workers ample opportunity to seek back pay when owed.

5. Best Practices for Calculating Cashier Overtime in New York

• Confirm the cashier’s regular hourly wage and corresponding minimum wage rates for your location to ensure accurate multiplier application.
• Clearly separate regular hours (up to 40) from overtime hours (above 40) on payroll documents.
• Calculate overtime at 1.5 times the regular pay rate to comply with state and federal law.
• Maintain detailed records of hours and wages to simplify audits and potential disputes.
• Train payroll and HR staff on New York overtime regulations and wage thresholds to prevent miscalculations.

Employers can also refer to the staffing strategies for ghost kitchens for innovative approaches to hiring and managing part of their workforce.

6. Useful Government Resources for New York Cashier Overtime Pay

For additional guidance and official updates, visit these authoritative sources:

• New York State Department of Labor
• U.S. Department of Labor – Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• New York State Attorney General – Workers' Rights

Cashier Overtime Pay Calculation Under New York Laws: Conclusion

Cashiers in New York are entitled to overtime pay at 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for hours worked over 40 weekly, with minimum wages varying slightly by region.

Employers must carefully calculate overtime based on these rates, maintain thorough records, and respect filing time limits to ensure legal compliance and fair workplace practices.

By following these guidelines and consulting government resources, businesses can avoid legal pitfalls while safeguarding employee rights.

To further improve your hiring success, check our spotlight on how to hire servers or waiters, as many workplaces include these roles alongside cashiers.