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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Minimum wage
The federal minimum wage laws contained in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establish basic pay requirements. Many states have their own minimum wage laws.
Overtime
Workers have the right to overtime pay after hours 40 hours of work in a seven-day work week unless exempt.
Compensation
Learn about federal minimum wages or pay that workers are entitled to be paid, whether paid by the hour or day, tipped employees cash wages, and other minimum requirements.
Recordkeeping
Employers must keep a record of all hours worked and wages paid. Workers can keep their own records as well using a DOL timesheet app.