{"id":376073,"date":"2019-05-03T16:18:32","date_gmt":"2019-05-03T21:18:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/pennsylvania-wage-and-hour-laws.html"},"modified":"2019-05-06T10:24:26","modified_gmt":"2019-05-06T15:24:26","slug":"pennsylvania-wage-and-hour-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/pennsylvania-wage-and-hour-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Pennsylvania Wage and Hour Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Pennsylvania Wage and Hour Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\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

The baseline wages that an employer must pay their employees is determined by the state’s wage and hour laws, which consist of minimum wage laws and overtime laws<\/a>. If an employer doesn’t pay an employee the wages that they’re entitled to receive, then the employee can file a lawsuit against the employer; the lawsuit can result in not only the employee getting their wages, but can also subject the employer to fines and penalties.<\/p>\r\n

Specifically, in Pennsylvania, an employee can file a wage claim with the Pennsylvania Department of Wage and Industry<\/a> or they can file an individual suit in court to recover their lost wages.<\/p>\r\n

Pennsylvania Wage and Hour Laws at a Glance<\/h2>\r\n

Employment law is complex and the best way to get help with understanding the law is by working with an attorney. To get useful information before meeting with counsel, read the chart below for a brief synopsis of the Pennsylvania wage and hour laws.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Statutes<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Pennsylvania Statutes Title 43 P.S. Labor:<\/p>\r\n

Minimum Wage<\/b><\/p>\r\n

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The minimum wage in Pennsylvania is $7.25, consistent with the federal minimum wage. However, the minimum wage for state employees is $12.00; this also applies to employees of contractors who spend 20% or more of their time on state projects.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Overtime Law<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Unlike many states, Pennsylvania follows federal labor laws and doesn’t have its own state laws for overtime.<\/p>\r\n

An employee must be paid one and one-half their regular rate of pay for any hours worked over 40 in any 7-day workweek.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Exemptions: Minimum Wage and Overtime Pay<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

The following employees aren’t covered by Pennsylvania’s minimum wage law or overtime law<\/a>:<\/p>\r\n