Verified against official state labor departments Updated for 2026

Labor Laws by State (2026)

A plain-English guide to the pay and time-off rules that change from state to state, with the official source on every page.

Why it's by state

Federal sets the floor, states go further

Federal law, mainly the Fair Labor Standards Act, sets a national minimum wage and a 40-hour overtime rule. States are free to require more, and many do, higher wages, daily overtime, paid sick leave, and PTO payout. That's why the answer to "what am I owed" almost always starts with your state.

Each topic here has a page for every state, with the current rule and a link to the official source. It's general information, not legal advice.

Common questions

Labor law FAQ

What labor laws vary by state?
Minimum wage, overtime rules, paid sick leave, and PTO payout are all set at the state level and differ widely. Federal law sets a floor for wages and overtime, and states can go further.
Where does this information come from?
Every page links its official source: the U.S. Department of Labor and the state labor departments. See our methodology page for how it is compiled and verified.
Is this legal advice?
No. This is a plain-English reference to help workers and employers understand the rules. For a specific situation, check with the state labor department or an attorney.

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.