We in the Land of 10,000 Lakes have always prided ourselves on giving 100 percent to our jobs. All we ask is a fair wage in return. Of course, we want to know that there are laws in place to ensure we get just compensation for the time we've put into our work. This is a brief introduction to wage and hour laws in Minnesota
Minimum Wage and Overtime in Minnesota
The minimum wage for Minnesota for employees of large companies and employees of small companies are different. Both rates will see incremental increases each year, as listed in the chart below. Certain employees, like executives, baby sitters, and volunteers, are exempt from the state's minimum wage laws. While some states have reduced minimum wages for employees who receive gratuities (tips), Minnesota requires a base wage for all employees. Overtime is calculated at 1.5 times the usual hourly rate once an employee works over 48 hours in one week.
Pay Day Requirements in Minnesota
Minnesota law requires employers to pay their employees at least once a month, via cash, check, direct deposit, a debit card, or deposit to a card account. Non-cash or check payments require prior employee consent and must abide certain statutory requirements.
Wage and Hour Statutes in Minnesota
A combination of state and federal labor laws cover both pay date requirements and minimum wage and overtime rates. Minnesota's wage and hour laws are highlighted in the following table.
| Code Sections | Minimum Wage: MN Statutes §177.24 and Overtime Law: MN Statutes §177.25 Pay Day Frequency Requirements and Methods: MN Statutes §181 et seq. |
| Pay Day Requirements | At least once every 31 days |
| Method of Payment | Legal tender of the United States; Check on banks convertible into cash on demand at full face value; Except for instances of written objection to the employer by the employee, direct deposit to the employee's choice of demand deposit account; or An electronic fund transfer to a payroll card account that meets all of the requirements of MN Statute 177.255, subject to allowances permitted by rules of the department under MN Statute 177.28. |
| Minimum Wage | Large employers (over $500,000 annual gross volume of sales): $9.65 per hour Small employers (under $500,000 annual gross volume of sales): $7.87 per hour Training wages (employees under 20 years old in first 90 days of employment): $7.87 per hour |
| Overtime Pay | 1.5 times the usual hourly rate after 48 hours in a workweek |
| Employers Who Must Follow State Minimum Wage Laws | Any individual, partnership, association, corporation, business trust, or any person or group of persons acting directly or indirectly in the interest of an employer in relation to an employee. |
| Workers Not Covered Under State Minimum Wage Law | Bona fide executive, administrative or professional workers; Babysitters; Volunteers of nonprofit organizations; and Employees subject to the provisions of the U.S. Department of Transportation (drivers, drivers' helpers, mechanics and loaders). |
| Enforcement | Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (651) 284-5070 |
Minnesota Wage and Hour Laws: Related Resources
You can find additional information and resources on this topic in the FindLaw sections listed below.
Get Legal Help with Your Minnesota Wage and Hour Laws Questions
Minnesota's wage and employment laws can be confusing, and how they apply will depend on your specific employment context. That's why it's best to speak with a skilled employment attorney to learn how Minnesota wage and hour laws affect your unique situation.
