{"id":357846,"date":"2020-03-27T11:54:28","date_gmt":"2020-03-27T16:54:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/employment\/wages-and-benefits\/hazard-pay-what-is-it-and-who-can-get-it.html"},"modified":"2025-04-02T10:42:00","modified_gmt":"2025-04-02T15:42:00","slug":"hazard-pay-what-is-it-and-who-can-get-it","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/wages-and-benefits\/hazard-pay-what-is-it-and-who-can-get-it.html","title":{"rendered":"Hazard Pay: What Is It and Who Can Get It?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Hazard Pay: What Is It and Who Can Get It?<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Olivia Wathne, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

\n

Hazard pay compensates for the increased risk of professions like law enforcement, healthcare, and construction. While hazard pay is not mandated by federal law, it can be governed by state laws or employer policies. Eligibility and hazard pay amounts depend on the nature of the job, risk level, and duration of the employee’s service.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

Hazard pay or "hazard duty pay" is extra money added to your regular salary. When there is a risk of injury, death, or significant physical hardship, hazard pay is an extra benefit to entice people to take this higher risk.<\/p>\n

If your employer refuses to offer hazard pay, you can contact a local employment law attorney<\/a> for guidance. An attorney can determine if you are entitled to hazard pay under state and local laws and can pursue negotiation or legal action if necessary.<\/p>\n

Hazardous conditions, such as those encountered by law enforcement, health care workers, and truck drivers, may qualify individuals for hazard pay under specific hazard pay laws. This additional compensation serves as an incentive for individuals to undertake hazardous work conditions<\/a>. It recognizes the challenges and potential dangers associated with their roles.<\/p>\n

Understanding the eligibility criteria and applicable hazard pay laws is crucial for those employed in hazardous jobs seeking fair compensation for their essential and demanding contributions.<\/p>\n

When Does Hazard Pay Apply?<\/h2>\n

An employee can get hazard pay when they are performing:<\/p>\n