Exempt, hourly paid computer professionals must be paid not less than how much per hour?

The correct answer indicates that exempt, hourly-paid computer professionals must be compensated at least $27.63 per hour. This threshold is set in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and applies specifically to certain categories of computer professionals. This amount reflects the minimum required to ensure that these professionals are compensated fairly for their specialized skills and expertise.

The designation of “exempt” pertains to employees who meet specific criteria established by the FLSA, which generally involves performing certain types of work and meeting income thresholds. For computer professionals, the law recognizes that their work often involves a high level of knowledge and expertise, thus justifying a higher minimum wage compared to non-exempt positions where employees are typically entitled to overtime pay.

In contrast, the other provided amounts are significantly lower than the legally mandated minimum for exempt computer professionals. These figures do not reflect the intended value placed on such roles within the industry and do not comply with the regulatory framework established to protect employees in specialized fields. Therefore, the minimum hourly requirement underscores the importance of fair compensation practices for highly skilled professions.