Prepare Now for DECEMBER’S Major Overtime Exemption Changes – Among the key changes, executive, administrative and professional employees will need annual compensation of at least $47,476 in order to be exempt from overtime compensation. The “highly compensated employee” will require $134,004 to be exempt. December 1 is less than 5 months away, and now is the ideal time for employers to audit your workforce and pay practices, reclassify employees, update your policies, budget for salary increases and increased overtime costs, and consider cost-saving measures.