{"id":4779,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:45","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/wages-and-benefits-overview.html"},"modified":"2024-06-06T04:45:20","modified_gmt":"2024-06-06T09:45:20","slug":"wages-and-benefits-overview","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/wages-and-benefits-overview.html","title":{"rendered":"Employee Compensation: Wages and Benefits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Employee Compensation: Wages and Benefits<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Susan Mills Richmond, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \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

Employee compensation is one of the most important aspects of being an employer. It is also one of the most litigious. Complying with federal and state wage and fair pay laws<\/a> such as minimum wage requirements, overtime, and mandatory break periods can be complex.<\/p>\r\n

In some states, some employee benefits<\/a> are mandatory. Others may be optional. Employers must decide which benefits will attract and retain top talent, such as health insurance or paid time off. The legal requirements are complex, and employers must take care when offering employee perks. This article reviews some of these laws and regulations.<\/p>\r\n

Find additional articles and resources in FindLaw’s Wages and Benefits<\/a> section.<\/p>\r\n

Employee Compensation: Wages<\/h2>\r\n

The Wage and Hour Division<\/a> of the U.S. Department of Labor sets the federal minimum wage. These laws also determine the maximum hours per day and per week before workers receive overtime pay. Small businesses often fail to comply with these requirements. Common violations include<\/a>:<\/p>\r\n