Exempt vs. Non-Exempt; Minimum Wage Increases and NY State Salary Threshold Increase 2022
March 25, 2022

Updated 3/25/2022


This article explains how to pay employees, as well as the new minimum wage that went into effect back on 12/31/2021. Non-compliance with the information could lead to repercussions during a DOL audit.

 

The New York State Department of Labor late last year published final rule regarding the increased salary thresholds to be considered exempt from overtime as well as changes to the minimum wage schedule.
 
Under both federal and New York law, employers must pay non-exempt employees at least the minimum wage for each hour worked and 1.5 times their regular rate of pay whenever they work more than 40 hours in a workweek. While most employees must be classified as non-exempt, federal, and state law include exemptions from the minimum wage and overtime requirements for certain employees, including bona fide professional, administrative, and executive employees.
 
Remember, it is not enough to simply pay an employee what an “Exempt” employee is supposed to receive and expect that employee to be classified as EXEMPT. They have to meet the criteria:
 
•  Must be paid equal to the requirements set forth for the Exempt Qualifications (i.e. Administrative, Professional, Executive)
•  Paid on a Salary Basis (Paid a Salary each pay period regardless of the hours they work. * with limited exceptions)
•  Must meet the Job Duties Test for their position
 
If they do not meet ALL THREE of these criteria, then they can not be classified as exempt, and if an employer chooses to do so, an employer’s level of exposure to a Department of Labor Audit is greatly increased. The duties tests are further explained below.
 
Employees who meet the duties test under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for executive and administrative exemptions must also meet the salary level requirements in New York in order to be exempt. New York’s exempt employee salary threshold will adjust annually in proportion to increases in the minimum wage. All rate changes will take effect on December 31st of each year.


Below is an overview of exemption tests under New York law.


Salary-Level Test (New York):


Administrative and Executive Exemptions:

For the administrative and executive exemptions, the minimum salary is 75 times the state minimum wage. The minimum salary differs based on where in the state the employee works.

 
Here are the minimum salary requirements currently in effect in New York:


NYC  $1125.00

Other NY counties (Outside of NYC)  $990.00
Remainder of Downstate (Nassau, Suffolk & Westchester counties)  $1125.00
As of 12/31/2021 – Other NY counties (Outside of NYC)  $990.00
As of 12/31/2021 – Remainder of Downstate (Nassau, Suffolk & Westchester counties)  $1,125.00


Professional Exemption:

For the professional exemption, there is no minimum salary requirement under NY State law, but the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) has a minimum. In this case, most New York employers would be required to meet the FLSA's minimum salary requirement for the professional exemption (in addition to meeting the federal and state duties tests).
Currently, to qualify for the professional exemption under the FLSA, an employee must be paid a salary of at least $684.00 per week ($35,568 annually).
 

Salary-Basis Test:

New York generally follows federal rules for the salary-basis test. To qualify for the state and federal exemption, an employee must receive their full salary for any week in which they perform any work. Salary reductions are not permitted due to variations in the quality or quantity of the employee's work.


For exempt employees, salary deductions are limited to the following circumstances:

 

 • One or more full day absences for personal reasons other than sickness or disability.

 •  Absences of one or more full days due to sickness or disability if the deduction is made in accordance with a bona fide plan, policy, or practice of providing compensation for salary lost due to illness.
•  To offset jury or witness fees, or for military pay.
•  For penalties imposed in good faith for infractions of safety rules of major significance.
•  For unpaid disciplinary suspensions of one or more full days imposed in good faith for serious misconduct, such as sexual harassment, workplace violence, drug, or alcohol use, or for violations of state or federal laws. The suspension must be imposed pursuant to a written policy applicable to all employees.
•  In the employee's first or last week of employment if the employee does not work the full week; or
•  For unpaid leave taken by the employee under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Under federal and state rules, deductions from exempt employees' salaries for any other reason are prohibited.
 

Duties Test (New York):

New York's duties tests vary for each exemption and are slightly different than the federal duties tests.
 

Administrative Exemption:

To qualify for the administrative exemption under New York law:

 

•  The employee's primary duty must involve performing office or non-manual work directly related to management policies or the employer's general operations.
•  The employee must regularly exercise discretion and independent judgment; and
•  The employee must:


o  Regularly and directly assist the employer or an employee employed in a bona fide executive or administrative capacity; or
o  Perform, under only general supervision, specialized or technical work requiring special training, experience, or knowledge.


NOTE: To see who typically falls under the Administrative Exemption, see the attached Administrative Exemption PDF

 

Professional Exemption:

To qualify for the professional exemption under New York law, the employee's primary duty must consist of performing work that requires advanced knowledge in a field of science or learning customarily acquired by a prolonged course of specialized intellectual instruction and study.


The employee's work must:


•  Require the consistent exercise of discretion and judgment.
•  Be predominantly intellectual and varied in character (as opposed to routine mental, manual, mechanical, or physical work); and
•  Be of such a character that the output produced cannot be standardized in relation to a given period.
•  NOTE: To see who typically falls under the Professional Exemption, see the attached Professional Exemption PDF


Executive Exemption:

To qualify for the executive exemption under New York law the:


•  Employee's primary duty must consist of the managing a customarily recognized department or subdivision of the enterprise.
•  Employee must customarily and regularly direct the work of two or more other employees.
•  Employee must have the authority to hire or fire other employees, or their suggestions and recommendations will be given weight; and
•  Employee must customarily and regularly exercise discretionary powers.
•  NOTE: To see who typically falls under the Executive Exemption, see the attached Executive Exemption PDF


An employee's "primary duty" is generally defined as the principal, main, major, or most important duty that the employee performs. The determination of an employee's primary duty must be based on all the facts in a case, with the major emphasis on the character of the employee's job.


Conclusion:

Before classifying employees as exempt from overtime, make sure that the employee satisfies the salary-level, salary-basis, and duties tests under both federal and state law. If an employee is covered by both the federal and state law but does not meet both sets of tests, consult with counsel and/or a CPA to determine how you should classify the employee in that situation.

Also note as of 12/31/2021:

The NY State minimum wage for Long Island and Westchester counties will increase from $14.00 per hour to $15.00 per hour


*Annual increases for the rest of the state will continue until the rate reaches $15 minimum wage (and $10 tipped wage). Starting 2022, the annual increases will be published by the Commissioner of Labor on or before October 1. They will be based on percentage increases determined by the Director of the Division of Budget, based on economic indices, including the Consumer Price Index.


The NY State minimum wage for counties outside of NYC will increase from $12.50 per hour to $13.20 per hour.

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Your Medicare Plan Is Discontinued: What’s Next?

October 14, 2025
If you recently received notice that your Medicare plan, or Medicare Advantage plan, is being discontinued, you’re not alone. Across the country (and right here in New York), insurers are scaling back or exiting less profitable markets ( Kiplinger ). While this can feel stressful, there are steps you can take to make sure your coverage doesn’t lapse and to find a better plan for your health and budget. Why Are Plans Being Discontinued? A mix of financial pressure, federal reimbursement changes, and rising health costs is driving insurers to reduce their Medicare Advantage footprints: Some major insurers are cutting back or exiting entire counties. For example, UnitedHealth announced it will discontinue its Medicare Advantage presence in 109 U.S. counties in 2026, according to Reuters . Local carriers in New York are also making changes: MVP is dropping several plans, and CDPHP is eliminating certain drug-coverage options, the Times Union explains . These shifts are happening alongside tighter government funding and increased regulatory strain. Because insurers must absorb the extra cost of covering benefits while meeting regulatory caps (for example, on prescription drug out-of-pocket limits), some plans become financially unsustainable and are discontinued ( the Kaiser Family Foundation ). Steps to Take if Your Plan Is Discontinued Here’s how to act so you don’t lose coverage: 1. Review the notice you received carefully Your insurer is required to send you a non-renewal or discontinuance notice. It often includes deadlines, whether you can enroll through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), and what options you have. 2. Note the relevant enrollment period The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs October 15 to December 7, 2025 , during which you can switch Medicare Advantage or Part D plans. If your plan was discontinued, some notices allow you to select a new plan until December 31 without penalty. In limited cases, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) following the discontinuation. 3. Research your options early Don’t wait until the last minute. Compare plans available in your area. Key things to look at: Provider networks: Will your doctors still be covered? Drug formularies: Does the plan cover your medications and at what cost? Premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket max: These can vary significantly. Benefit trade-offs: Some plans reduce supplemental benefits (vision, dental, wellness perks) when trying to maintain financial viability. 4. Enroll in the new plan Submit your enrollment by the relevant deadline (typically December 7 for the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). However, If your plan was discontinued, you may have until December 31 to choose a new one without penalty). Make sure the new plan starts January 1 to avoid coverage gaps. 5. If your plan wasn’t discontinued, still review Even if your current plan remains active, benefits, networks, and costs often change each year. It’s wise to compare alternatives anyway, especially after insurer shake-ups. Why Timing & Support Matter Delays cost you: Failing to enroll by deadlines could mean losing drug coverage or being locked into a less ideal plan. Support can ease the burden: Licensed agents can help you compare side-by-side, explain trade-offs, and guide you through enrollment. You deserve the best match: Everyone’s health and financial needs differ. Don’t settle for the first available option unless it truly fits. How Simco Can Help At Simco, we understand the stress of sudden plan changes. Our licensed insurance advisors are ready to: Help you interpret your discontinuance notice Compare plan options available in your area Assist with enrollment paperwork Explain benefit trade-offs and cost implications You don’t have to navigate this alone. Whether your Medicare Advantage plan was discontinued or you’re simply exploring your options, our team is here to support you. Contact us today to schedule a 1-on-1 consultation, and let us help you find the plan that keeps you covered and confident in 2026 and beyond.

isolved Named #1 for SMBs Across the Employee Lifecycle

October 3, 2025
At Simco, we’re proud to be a trusted isolved Network Partner , which means the Human Capital Management (HCM) technology we deliver to our clients is powered by isolved People Cloud™. And now there’s even more reason to celebrate: isolved has been recognized as the #1 SMB HCM provider across the entire employee lifecycle in Sapient Insights Group’s 28th Annual HR Systems Survey. This annual survey is one of the most respected benchmarks in the HR technology industry. With feedback from over 4,500 HR professionals, Sapient Insights captures the real voice of the customer by evaluating vendors across two critical areas: User Experience (UX) and Vendor Satisfaction (VS). isolved earned an impressive 38 badges this year, the most awarded SMB vendor for the second year in a row, and ranked #1 in 13 different SMB categories . Breaking Down the Results isolved’s recognition wasn’t limited to a single function. It spanned the entire employee lifecycle, covering everything from payroll and benefits to recruiting and workforce management. Highlights from the survey include: Payroll — Ranked #1 in both User Experience and Vendor Satisfaction for SMBs Core HR — #1 in Vendor Satisfaction Benefits — #1 in User Experience Recruiting — #1 in both User Experience and Vendor Satisfaction Time & Attendance — #1 in both User Experience and Vendor Satisfaction Skills Management — #1 in User Experience Rewards & Recognition — #1 in User Experience In addition, isolved placed in the Top 5 across numerous other categories like onboarding, learning, performance management, workforce scheduling, and contingent management. What does this mean? isolved’s solution isn’t just strong in one area, it’s consistently delivering across all the areas that matter most for small and mid-sized businesses. Why This Matters for SMBs Today’s SMBs face more challenges than ever. Recruiting is competitive, employee expectations are higher, and compliance requirements grow more complex every year. Business owners often find themselves piecing together multiple vendors to handle payroll, HR, benefits, and insurance, adding complexity and risk. isolved’s sweep across the Sapient Insights report shows that SMBs no longer have to choose between great payroll software and effective talent tools, or between benefits management and workforce scheduling. With isolved, the technology already covers the full employee lifecycle, validated by real-world HR pros. From Recognition to Results isolved’s 38 badges and top rankings validate what our clients experience every day: Accuracy and trust in payroll with fewer errors and compliance risks. Simplified benefits administration that keeps employees happy and businesses competitive. Recruiting and onboarding tools that make hiring more effective. Time and scheduling solutions that align workforce needs with operational efficiency. These results aren’t just about technology; they’re about enabling SMBs to compete, thrive, and support their people better. The Simco Advantage: More Than Just Software Here’s the ultimate key: technology is only half of the solution. Technology is powerful, but the real impact comes from how it’s put into practice. At Simco, we go beyond simply providing software. We deliver a fully integrated HCM and advisory solution that ties every part of workforce management together. Here’s what sets us apart: One Point of Contact: A dedicated resource who understands your business and ensures your HCM, HR, benefits, insurance, and retirement services work in sync. All-in-One Partner: From payroll and HR to insurance and 401(k) plans, we eliminate the hassle of juggling multiple vendors. Advisory + Optimization: We don’t just implement technology. We guide you in using it to strengthen compliance, employee engagement, and growth strategies. As your business grows, your needs change. By pairing isolved’s award-winning technology with Simco’s hands-on expertise, we help you stay ahead, operate more efficiently, and build better employee experiences. Key Takeaways isolved’s recognition in the Sapient Insights report shows that SMBs have access to enterprise-grade HR technology tailored for their needs. And with Simco as your partner, you’ll never have to choose between the strength of your platform and the quality of your service; you’ll have both. Want to see how Simco + isolved can streamline your payroll, HR, benefits, and more? Contact us today.
Top 5 Cybersecurity Mistakes That Put Your Business at Risk

Top 5 Cybersecurity Mistakes That Put Your Business at Risk

October 1, 2025
In today’s digital-first world, small and mid-sized businesses are just as vulnerable, if not more so, than large corporations when it comes to cyberattacks. Limited budgets, fewer in-house IT resources, and the perception of being “too small to target” often leave business owners dangerously exposed. The reality? Hackers don’t discriminate based on size; they look for the easiest entry points. Here are the top five mistakes businesses make, how to avoid them, and what steps you can take today to protect your company, your employees, and your bottom line. 1. Relying on Weak or Outdated Passwords Passwords are often the first line of defense, and also the weakest. Too many businesses rely on simple or reused passwords that can be cracked in seconds with modern tools. The Modern MFA Landscape While passwords remain standard, multi-factor authentication (MFA) has become the new baseline. However, how you implement MFA matters: Avoid email for MFA codes. If a phishing attack compromises an employee’s inbox, bad actors can intercept the code and access sensitive systems. SMS is better but not bulletproof. Text messages provide an extra layer of security but can still be intercepted. Authenticator apps are the gold standard. Tools like Authy, Microsoft Authenticator, or Google Authenticator create time-based one-time codes that aren’t tied to email or SMS. Forward-looking companies are also exploring passwordless authentication, a model that reduces dependence on static credentials altogether. Until then, tightening password hygiene and upgrading MFA methods should be immediate priorities. 2. Overlooking Employee Training Even the most advanced cybersecurity tools can’t stop an employee from clicking a malicious link or downloading infected files. Human error remains the biggest vulnerability in most organizations. What Employees Need to Know Instead of broad, once-a-year sessions, ongoing training should focus on real-world risks employees face daily. Consider including: How to spot suspicious links and attachments Why “urgent” or “CEO fraud” emails are red flags Safe internet practices for remote or hybrid workers How to report suspicious activity without fear of blame Building a Culture of Cyber Awareness Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue; it’s a company-wide culture. Leadership should model secure behavior and celebrate employees who catch threats. Over time, security becomes second nature rather than an afterthought. 3. Neglecting Regular Software Updates Software vendors release updates for a reason: to fix vulnerabilities. Delaying or ignoring these updates gives hackers a direct pathway into your systems. The Risk of Outdated Systems Running outdated operating systems, browsers, or applications often leaves “open doors” attackers can exploit. Businesses that don’t patch quickly enough have been at the center of major breaches. Automating updates or assigning a designated IT contact for patch management ensures vulnerabilities are closed before they can be exploited. Even for smaller businesses without dedicated IT staff, outsourced providers or managed IT services can fill this role affordably. 4. Failing to Prepare an Incident Response Plan (IRP) Too many businesses wait until a breach happens to figure out how to respond. By then, panic sets in, time is lost, and the financial damage increases. Why an IRP Matters An Incident Response Plan is essentially a playbook for what your business will do in the first 24–72 hours after an attack. It should outline: Who is responsible for containment and communication Steps for isolating affected systems Legal or regulatory reporting requirements How to restore backups and resume operations Tip: Run Cybersecurity Fire Drills Just like fire drills, businesses should run simulated cyber incidents. Testing your IRP helps employees understand their roles and uncovers gaps before a real attack occurs. 5. Assuming Insurance Alone Is Enough Some business owners mistakenly believe their general liability insurance will cover cyber-related losses. Unfortunately, most policies exclude data breaches, ransomware, or social engineering scams. The Role of Cyber Liability Insurance Cyber liability insurance fills these gaps by covering costs like forensic investigations, customer notifications, legal fees, regulatory fines, and even ransom payments (where legal). For small businesses, this coverage can mean the difference between survival and bankruptcy after a breach. But insurance should never replace prevention. Instead, think of it as a financial safety net that complements strong security practices, not one that replaces them. Click here to learn more about how Simco’s Commercial Insurance team can help protect your business with cyber and data breach coverage and beyond. Secure Your Business for the Future Cybersecurity is no longer optional for businesses; it’s a core part of protecting your employees, customers, and reputation. By addressing these five common mistakes, you’ll not only reduce your risk of an attack but also build trust with clients who want assurance that their data is safe in your hands. Taking proactive steps now, including strengthening authentication, investing in training, creating an IRP, and supplementing with cyber liability insurance, can save untold amounts of money, stress, and reputational damage later.

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