Oregon Break Laws (2026)

Whether you are entitled to a meal break or a paid rest break in Oregon, and whether that time has to be paid.

Updated for 2026 Verified Jul 6, 2026

Compiled and verified by David Scott · Verified Jul 6, 2026

In Oregon, workers are entitled to a meal break and a paid rest break. A 30-minute meal break for each work period of 6 to 8 hours, free of all duty. A paid 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours worked (or major portion), separate from your meal break.

Break rules in Oregon

Meal break

A 30-minute meal break for each work period of 6 to 8 hours, free of all duty.

Paid rest break

A paid 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours worked (or major portion), separate from your meal break.

Paid or unpaid?

Federal law sets the baseline for whether break time is paid. Short breaks of 5 to 20 minutes count as work time and must be paid. A meal period of 30 minutes or more can be unpaid, but only if you are fully relieved of duty, if you have to keep working, or answer the phone, or stay at your station, the time must be paid. This is general information, not legal advice.

Common questions

Oregon break law FAQ

Does Oregon require meal breaks?

Yes. A 30-minute meal break for each work period of 6 to 8 hours, free of all duty.

Does Oregon require paid rest breaks?

Yes. A paid 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours worked (or major portion), separate from your meal break.

Do breaks have to be paid?

Under federal law, short breaks of 5 to 20 minutes are counted as work time and must be paid. A bona fide meal period of 30 minutes or more, where you are fully relieved of duty, does not have to be paid.

Are there different rules for minors?

Yes. Most states set stricter meal and rest break rules for workers under 18. This page covers adult employees in the private sector; check your state labor office for the rules that apply to minors.

Where can I find the official Oregon rule?

The U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division publishes the state break tables. The official source is linked on this page.

David Scott

David Scott compiles and verifies minimum wage rates, tipped wages, and overtime rules from official state and federal labor department sources, and re-checks every page when rates change. See how the data is sourced.