Ohio Legal Holidays and Holiday Pay Laws
Key Takeaways
Ohio labor law grants state and government employees the same legal holidays observed by the federal government. Ohio law does not recognize any additional state holidays, although private employers may do so if they choose. Private employers are not required to follow paid holiday requirements unless they wish.
The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires state laws to provide at least the same protections as federal law, although states may provide more. State employees must receive holiday time off or holiday pay if they work during a legal holiday.
Ohio Holiday Pay Laws
Ohio law authorizes 11 paid legal holidays for county and state employees. Employees who work on these days must receive holiday pay at time-and-a-half their regular rate of pay. Overtime pay rates still apply. Employees who do not work must receive eight hours’ pay at their standard rate.
Holiday pay only applies to non-exempt employees. Non-exempt workers are usually hourly employees who are considered “non-exempt” under the FLSA. Exempt employees include salaried workers, part-time employees, and independent contractors.
Ohio’s recognized legal holidays are:
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (third Monday in January)
- Washington’s Birthday / Presidents’ Day (third Monday in February)
- Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
- Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19)
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Labor Day (first Monday in September)
- Columbus Day (second Monday in October)
- Veterans Day (November 11)
- Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
County and state workers may accumulate compensatory time and use it with their holiday time if they arrange it with their supervisors.
Private Employers
Private employers may designate any holidays or paid time off they wish for their workers. Ohio law does not mandate paid time off for private employees. Private employers may follow federal holiday schedules or offer holiday pay according to collective bargaining agreements if they want.
Ohio’s wage and hour laws set the minimum wage limit for private businesses and require employers to provide unpaid leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Ohio law does not require employers to provide paid sick leave or vacation time.
Research the Law
- Ohio Law
- Official State Codes – Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and DC.
Ohio Legal Holidays Laws: Related Resources
Get Legal Assistance From an Ohio Employment Law Attorney
Whether you work for a public or private employer, you are entitled to legal holiday pay if your employment contract states it. You must also receive legally mandated break time and minimum wages according to the law. If you haven’t received the correct pay or have other issues with your paycheck, contact an Ohio employment law attorney for legal advice.
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