The inside salesperson who spends 60% of the time performing contract administration would best be described as non-exempt. As an administrative employee, the inside salesperson spends too much time in pure administration instead of in work that requires them to exercise discretion.

On the other hand, the manager at an auto mechanic shop who spends approximately 20% of his time fixing cars still spends a substantial amount of time performing management duties. Similarly, an accountant, a skilled professional, also spends a substantial amount of time performing work that requires the exercise of discretion, ie tax preparation for clients.

Finally, a purchasing agent, an administrative professional, spends a majority of time performing special assignments and exercises discretion while evaluating and purchasing resources from vendors.