Probably depends on the state. CA has better labor laws than most and doesn't seem to apply it different for exempt or non-exempt: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/

Probably depends on the state. CA has better labor laws than most and doesn't seem to apply it different for exempt or non-exempt: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/faq_mealperiods.htm https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/faq_mealperiods.htm Most places I've worked given an hour by default as part of company policy. My point was that a lot of folks will choose to work through their lunch instead of taking a walk outside or relaxing a little. I recall when one coworker hopped on the Soylent train. They had this whole plan that it would free up their lunch to go do other stuff like go for a bike ride, check out a museum, etc. They essentially ended up chugging the Soylent at their desk and working their entire lunch. Maybe I'm old school but I don't like giving my labor away for free. Work will always be there.