Which of the following is a key characteristic of "exempt" employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act?

A key characteristic of "exempt" employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is that they are usually in professional roles. This classification typically applies to employees who perform work that requires advanced knowledge in a field of science or learning, which is usually acquired through prolonged formal education. These professional roles often include occupations in fields like law, medicine, engineering, and certain managerial positions.

Exempt employees are not entitled to overtime pay as stipulated by the FLSA, which distinguishes them from non-exempt employees who are eligible for overtime compensation. Additionally, while exempt employees do fall under minimum wage laws, their exemption from overtime rules is more significant in defining their status. The aspect of employment "at will," while relevant in employment law, isn’t specifically related to the FLSA’s definition of exempt status.

Thus, the classification of these employees typically hinges on their job roles and responsibilities, further emphasizing that they are engaged in work that requires specialized knowledge or skill.