Understanding wage and hour laws helps workers know their rights and helps employers meet their responsibilities. These laws cover minimum wage, overtime pay, hours worked, recordkeeping, child labor, family and medical leave, prevailing wages for certain government-funded contracts, and protections for miners. The Department of Labor provides guidance and resources on these topics.
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Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment standards affecting employees in the private sector and in Federal, State, and local governments.
Compliance Assistance
The Wage and Hour Division (WHD) enforces laws that establish minimum standards for wages and working conditions in the United States.
Civil Money Penalty Inflation Adjustments
The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 was enacted to advance the effectiveness of civil money penalties and to strengthen their deterrent effect.
Prevailing Wage and the Inflation Reduction Act
On June 18, 2024, the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released a Final Rule on the prevailing wage and apprenticeship provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act.
State Labor Laws
Learn about State Labor Laws, including State Labor Offices, State Minimum Wage Laws, State Child Labor Laws, and other State Labor Laws.