Putting in a 40-hour work week takes its toll. Working more than that deserves proper compensation. Vermont wage and hour laws make sure that employers within the Green Mountain State follow minimum wage and overtime rates so that employees receive proper payment and protection during their employment. This is a quick summary of the wage and hour laws in Vermont.
Acceptable Pay Rates Under Vermont Wage and Hour Laws
On January 1, 2018, Vermont's minimum wage increased to $10.50 per hour. However, if the minimum wage rate established by the U.S. Government is greater than the rate established by Vermont for any year, the Vermont minimum wage rate will be the rate established by the U.S. Government.
The following table outlines the specifics of Vermont wage and hour laws.
| Code Section | 21 V.S.A. §384: Employment; Wages |
| Minimum Wage | Under Vermont minimum wage laws, an employer shall not employ an employee at a rate of less than $10.50 per hour. |
| Overtime Pay | According to Vermont hour laws, an employer must pay an employee a minimum of one and one-half times the regular wage rate for any work done by the employee in excess of 40 hours during a workweek. However, the following industries are exempt from this rule.
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| Penalties | Any employer who pays, permits to be paid, or agrees to pay any employee less than the minimum wage dictated by Vermont wage and hour laws will be fined up to $100.00 for each day the employee is paid less than the rate required. |
| Civil Actions | If any employee is paid by an employer less than the minimum wage rate, the employee can recover twice the amount of the minimum wage less any amount actually paid by the employer, plus any costs and reasonable attorney fees. |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Need Legal Help Dealing with Your Employer? Contact an Attorney Today
Fully understanding your rights under the Vermont wage and hour laws can be difficult. If you would like legal assistance with an employment issue, including any wage and hour disputes you may have with your employer, there are employment law attorneys in your area who can help.
