{"id":374184,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:40","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/michigan-law\/michigan-wage-and-hour-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-02-09T15:10:31","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T20:10:31","slug":"michigan-wage-and-hour-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/michigan-law\/michigan-wage-and-hour-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Michigan Wage and Hour Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Michigan Wage and Hour Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Balrina Ahluwalia, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, 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\n\n

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Michigan<\/span> wage<\/span> and hour laws are state and federal regulations that set minimum wage<\/span> rates<\/span>, overtime pay<\/span> requirements, and workplace standards for employers and employees. These laws include the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act<\/span> (IWOWA) and Fair Labor Standards Act<\/span> (FLSA<\/span>), which establish a minimum wage<\/span> of $13.73 per hour and require overtime pay<\/span> for work exceeding 40 hours per week. They also provide protections for workers including recordkeeping requirements and anti-discrimination provisions.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Michigan<\/span> wage<\/span> and hour rules help protect workers, set basic pay standards, and outline what employers must do to remain compliant. These rules come from both state and federal law<\/span>, including the Fair Labor Standards Act<\/span> (FLSA<\/span>)<\/a>. Together, they guide how Michigan<\/span> employers<\/span> pay wages, schedule work hours<\/span>, and treat minors<\/span>. For Michigan<\/span> workers<\/span>, familiarity with these rules can help you identify potential violations and the various ways you might address them.<\/p>\n

In this article, we review Michigan<\/span>\u2019s main wage and hour protections for employees<\/a> as well as important principles to help you understand this tricky legal landscape. We\u2019ll also provide you with key information to keep in mind when dealing with employers.<\/p>\n

If you suspect you\u2019re not being paid or treated fairly, you have a few options. An employment attorney who\u2019s licensed in Michigan<\/span><\/a> can help you understand them and determine the best way forward.<\/p>\n

In the meantime, let\u2019s start by taking a look at minimum wage<\/span> laws<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act<\/span> (IWOWA)<\/h2>\n

IWOWA is Michigan<\/span>\u2019s law<\/a> that sets the minimum <\/span>hourly wage<\/span> for most employees who work in the state. It also defines eligibility<\/span> for the state <\/span>minimum<\/span> wage<\/span> and establishes rules for its increases. It doesn\u2019t cover non-employees like independent contractors<\/span><\/a>, interns, and volunteers.<\/p>\n

In general, IWOWA covers employees who qualify as both of the following:<\/p>\n