Ohio Wage and Hour Laws

Laws that regulate minimum wage, meal breaks, employee leave, and related matters are called wage and hour laws. While federal laws provide a baseline of protections for workers, including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and the federal minimum wage, states often provide an additional layer of protection. For example, as of August 2026, Ohio‘s minimum wage is $2.05 higher than the federal minimum.

The following will help you learn about Ohio wage rates and Ohio labor laws, including minimum wage, overtime pay, meal and rest breaks, and leave laws. If you believe you’ve suffered a violation of your wage rights, consider speaking with an Ohio employment attorney.

Ohio Wage and Hour Laws: The Basics

Although the state’s wage and hour laws apply to most Ohio employees, it’s not always easy to understand how they apply 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.

Statutes

Ohio Revised Code:

• Prevailing wages
• Wage and hours on public works

Ohio Minimum Wage Laws

As of August 2026, the Ohio minimum wage is $11.00 per hour. For tipped employees, it’s $5.50. Employers are required to ensure tipped employees receive at least $11, making up the difference when the tips fall short. The Ohio Constitution requires the state minimum wage to increase with inflation annually, in accordance with increases in the Consumer Price Index.

Overtime

Employers must pay nonexempt employees at a rate of time-and-a-half of their usual pay rate for every hour worked in excess of 40 per week. This is in accordance with state and federal law. Exemptions from overtime requirements include:

• Newspaper delivery workers
• Salaried employees
• Babysitters and other personal caretakers
• Part-time police officers and firefighters
• Executives
• Computer employees
• Administrative employees
• Certain professional employees

Meals and Breaks

Ohio law does not require employers to provide lunch breaks. They must pay employees when they’re given breaks of 20 minutes or less. Meal breaks of at least 30 minutes may be unpaid, provided the employee is relieved of all duties during the meal break (per federal law).

Leave

Ohio uses the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), a federal law. As a state, it extends leave and reinstatement protections granted under the federal Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) to Ohio National Guard members.

Severance Pay

Severance pay is not a requirement under Ohio law. Private employers may include funds as part of a severance package, but have no legal obligation to do so.

Agency

Questions and claims about wage and hour issues can be directed to the Ohio Department of Commerce: Bureau of Wage & Hour Administration.

Disclaimer: 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.

Research the Law

• Ohio Law – Information about Ohio statutes, including those pertaining to criminal, family, employment, and injury law.
• Official State Codes – Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and DC.

Ohio Wage and Hour Laws: Related Resources

• State Payday Requirements
• Ohio Civil Statute of Limitations
• Ohio Whistleblower Laws

Get Legal Help With Your Ohio Wage and Hour Concerns

No matter how much you love your job, your paycheck at the end of the pay period or workweek should accurately reflect the amount of time you worked. When employers violate overtime laws and engage in wage theft, they open themselves up to litigation. If your rights have been violated, consider getting legal advice by contacting an experienced Ohio employment law attorney.