By Susan Buckner, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Aviana Cooper, Esq. | Last reviewed November 13, 2023
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Small-business owners who meet federal or state size requirements must have state and federal labor and employment laws displayed where they are visible to employees. Federal and state labor law posters are available for download on the corresponding department of labor websites. The posters are available in English and Spanish, and you can order them in other languages. Private vendors have better-quality versions of the required posters for sale.
Workplace posters are often displayed in break rooms or locker rooms, although there is no required location for the signs. Federal and state posting requirements only ask that the posters be visible to all employees during the workday.
Not all businesses need every compliance poster. Depending on the size and nature of your business, you may need some or all of them. Always check your state and federal requirements before printing and posting, as the laws can change.
The federal government has a roster of posters and labor law poster requirements for businesses of various sizes and types. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)'s FirstStep Poster Advisor can help you determine which posters you need when ordering. The most commonly used posters include:
Federal contractors, companies with workers with disabilities subject to special minimum wage laws, and agricultural companies who hire migrant or seasonal workers need special notices that they can give to workers.
State labor laws may differ slightly from federal laws. They may apply to businesses with fewer employees or offer increased benefits. For example, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. The minimum wage in California, as of 2023, is $15.50 per hour. The minimum wage poster in California reflects both the federal and state minimum wages.
Other state-specific posters may include:
Penalties for failing to post federal labor law posters range from monetary fines to citations and other liabilities. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) handles all penalties and fines.
The labor department in your state should help with the necessary employment law posters for your business. Click on your state or district from the list below to learn more.
Small businesses don't always fit into tidy categories. Determining whether you're covered by a particular law can be confusing. Contact an experienced employment law attorney if you have questions about which labor posters are required for your business.
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