{"id":375720,"date":"2019-05-03T10:58:42","date_gmt":"2019-05-03T15:58:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/ohio-law\/ohio-wage-and-hour-laws.html"},"modified":"2022-12-12T16:58:09","modified_gmt":"2022-12-12T21:58:09","slug":"ohio-wage-and-hour-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/ohio-law\/ohio-wage-and-hour-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Ohio Wage and Hour Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Ohio Wage and Hour Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Chris Meyers, 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

Laws that regulate minimum wage, meal breaks, employee leave, and related matters collectively are referred to as wage and hour laws. While federal laws provide a baseline of protections for workers, including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA<\/a>) and the federal minimum wage, states often provide an additional layer of protection. For instance, Ohio’s minimum wage is $2.05 higher than the federal minimum.<\/p>\r\n

The following will help you learn about Ohio wage rates and Ohiolabor laws, including minimum wage; overtime pay; meal and rest breaks; and leave laws.<\/p>\r\n

Ohio Wage and Hour Laws: The Basics<\/h2>\r\n

Although the State of Ohio’s wage and hour laws apply to most Ohio employees throughout the state, it’s not always easy to understand how these laws are applied in a given situation. The following summary will help you get up to speed on Ohio’s minimum wage, break requirements, leave laws, and other related matters.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Statutes<\/th>\r\n

Ohio Revised Code:<\/p>\r\n

Minimum Wage<\/th>\r\n

$9.30 \/ hr. ($4.65 \/ hr. for tipped employees).<\/p>\r\n

Note: The Ohio Constitution requires the state minimum wage to increase with inflation annually<\/a>, in accordance with increases in the Consumer Price Index.<\/i><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Overtime<\/th>\r\n

Employers must pay nonexempt employees (which includes agricultural employees) 1 and 1\/2 times the regular rate<\/i> of pay for every hour worked in excess of 40 per week<\/i> (following federal law). Exemptions from overtime requirements include:<\/p>\r\n

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  • Newspaper delivery workers;<\/li>\r\n
  • Salaried employees;<\/li>\r\n
  • Babysitters and other personal caretakers;<\/li>\r\n
  • Part-time police officers and firefighters;<\/li>\r\n
  • Executives;<\/li>\r\n
  • Computer employees;<\/li>\r\n
  • Administrative employees; and<\/li>\r\n
  • Certain professional employees.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Meals and Breaks<\/th>\r\n

Ohio law does not<\/i> require employers to provide lunch breaks to employees, but they must pay employees when they’re given breaks of 20 minutes or less (following federal law).<\/p>\r\n

Meal breaks that are at least 30 minutes<\/i> may be unpaid provided the employee is relieved of all duties<\/i> during the meal break (per federal law).<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Leave<\/th>\r\n

Ohio law doesn’t provide additional family and medical leave beyond that provided by federal law (FMLA<\/a>).<\/p>\r\n

However, Ohio extends leave and reinstatement protections granted under the federal Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA<\/a>) to Ohio National Guard members.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Severance Pay<\/th>\r\nNot required<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Agency<\/th>\r\nOhio Department of Commerce: Bureau of Wage & Hour Administration<\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Research the Law<\/h2>\r\n