{"id":357883,"date":"2016-04-04T10:45:29","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:45:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/employment\/wages-and-benefits\/wage-and-hour-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-03-26T10:02:00","modified_gmt":"2025-03-26T15:02:00","slug":"wage-and-hour-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/wages-and-benefits\/wage-and-hour-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Wage and Hour Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Wage and Hour Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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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
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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

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Wage and hour laws ensure workers receive fair pay and reasonable work hours, including at least the federal minimum wage or higher if mandated by state laws. Further, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets federal standards for overtime, worker classification, and child labor. States may have their own regulations that can exceed federal standards.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

In America, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) enforces labor laws protecting workers’ rights to fair pay and reasonable work hours. The Wage and Hour Division<\/a> ensures equitable enforcement of these laws nationwide.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re owed unpaid wages or believe your employer has violated your rights, contact an employment attorney<\/a> in your area for help.<\/p>\n

Each state has its own wage and hour laws. Many states also make provisions for how many hours someone can work per day. States also set different weekend pay, recordkeeping, and overtime laws. The article below explains general federal and state wage and hour laws.<\/p>\n

Federal Minimum Wage Laws<\/h2>\n

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes the baseline for minimum wages across the country. States may set higher standards than the federal law provides, and many have.<\/p>\n

Employees must receive at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. If the state minimum wage<\/a> is lower than the federal wage, employers must pay their workers the federal wage. If the state minimum wage exceeds the federal rate, workers receive the higher pay scale.<\/p>\n

The FLSA also sets federal standards<\/a> for overtime pay, the allowable number of hours per week, and employee classification for tax purposes. Fringe benefits, such as health insurance or pension plans, are not part of an employee’s wages.<\/p>\n

Exempt vs. Non-Exempt Employees<\/h2>\n

The FLSA only applies to workers receiving an hourly wage. These workers are "non-exempt" from FLSA requirements. They receive FLSA protections regarding meal periods and rest breaks<\/a>, payment of wages, and other employee benefits.<\/p>\n

Other employees are "exempt" employees<\/a>. The FLSA does not apply to workers who:<\/p>\n