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Oklahoma labor laws have an important function in ensuring equality and security in the workplace. Most of the labor laws for Oklahoma guard workers against discrimination and hazardous work environments, as well as provide clear guidelines.
In the US, all employers are required to adhere to federal as well as state laws of employment. Some of the labor laws of Oklahoma include special provisions for workers’ compensation and employees’ rights to keep their personal social media accounts private.
Paystub In The USA: Everything Employers And Employees Need To Know
Standard Working Hours
Employers that have employees working in Oklahoma are required to comply with state and federal labor laws for the protection of employees’ rights and fair treatment. The Oklahoma Department of Labor (ODOL) enforces such regulations to assist employers in remaining compliant while protecting workers.
Major laws are the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which regulates minimum wage, overtime payment, and record-keeping provisions. Employers have to comply with these provisions strictly to evade punishment and keep a legitimate business.
Minimum Wages
Oklahoma adheres to the federal minimum wage for most businesses. Companies with 10 or more full-time employees at one location or those that have gross sales of more than $100,000 in a year must compensate employees at least $7.25 per hour, which is in accordance with the federal level.
It should also be mentioned that municipalities and cities in Oklahoma are not able to create their own minimum wage rates to maintain uniformity throughout the state.
The Oklahoma labor laws for salaried employees don’t cover all workers, though. Some are exempt from minimum wage laws, including:
- Newspaper sellers.
- Farm and domestic workers.
- Executive, administrative, and professional staff.
- Temporary or part-time employees.
- Employees younger than 18 who haven’t graduated.
- Students younger than 22 are attending school.
Overtime Laws
Labor laws for Oklahoma do not have a state-specific law governing overtime or placing a limit on the number of hours that can be worked by employees. The state adopts the federal regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) instead.
Under the FLSA, the non-exempt employees who labor in excess of 40 hours within a workweek qualify for overtime pay. Such compensation should be one and one-half times their usual hourly wage for each extra hour performed above the standard 40 hours.
Oklahoma employers need to make sure they properly classify employees and keep accurate time records in order to remain in compliance with federal overtime standards and prevent any potential penalties.
Tipped Minimum Wages
In Oklahoma, employers are allowed to count tips, meals, and lodging as part of an employee’s minimum wage, though they must be no more than 50% of the wage required.
Practically, what this means is that employers may pay a cash wage of $3.63 per hour, so long as tips and other allowances, in addition to it, leave the employee with an overall total of at least $7.25 per hour.
Meal and Rest Breaks
Oklahoma doesn’t have the Oklahoma labor laws breaks mandating employers to offer employees meal or rest breaks. Nevertheless, most employers provide breaks as part of company policies. Federal law mandates that brief breaks of less than 20 minutes be paid for, as well as any longer breaks if the worker is not totally relieved of work during the break period.
For juvenile workers who are younger than 16, Oklahoma statutes have definite break standards. They are entitled to at least a 30-minute break following 5 hours of labor or a 1-hour break for an 8-hour workday to allow for adequate rest and job safety.
Leave Laws
Oklahoma has few state laws specific to employee leave, as most policies track federal law.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the kinds of leave to which employees might be entitled:
| Leave Type | Details |
| Vacation Leave | Oklahoma private employers do not have to offer paid or unpaid vacation. But if vacation leave is stated in an employee’s contract, the employer will have to comply. |
| Family and Medical Leave | Oklahoma does not require family or medical leave for all employers. However, companies employing 50 or more are required to comply with the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
Qualified employees under the FMLA are entitled to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave annually for such reasons as being seriously ill, taking care of a family member, having a new child, or other personal issues. |
| Military Leave | Active duty employees or military-authorized training are covered by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). |
| Jury Duty Leave | Oklahoma employers are not obligated to pay workers for jury service time. |
| Voting Leave | Staff are allowed off two hours to vote if they do not have three hours of spare time before or after work while polls remain open. |
| Holiday Leave | Private employers are not required to give holiday leave, paid or unpaid. Workers receive it only if it is in their contract of employment. |
| Pregnancy Disability Leave | Oklahoma does not have state pregnancy disability laws.
Employees are eligible under the FMLA, which offers up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for pregnancy-related disabilities. |
| Paid Sick Leave | Oklahoma lacks state legislation requiring paid or unpaid sick leave beyond the state protections provided under the FMLA. |
This system protects employees in Oklahoma under federal leave laws while providing employers with the ability to make other benefit provisions.
Child Labor Laws
In Oklahoma, the age of minimum employment age is 14, with narrow exceptions for farm labor or working for a parent’s business.
All 14-and 15-year-olds need to get a work permit from the Oklahoma State Department of Education through their school before beginning any employment.
Minor workers in this age category are also entitled to required breaks:
- 1-hour rest break for every 8 hours worked.
- 30-minute rest break for every 5 hours worked.
Limits on Hours and Types of Work:
14- and 15-year-olds:
- Maximum 3 hours on a school day (outside school hours).
- Maximum 18 hours in a school week.
- Maximum 8 hours on days not in school.
- Maximum 40 hours a week, not in school.
Work is allowed only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., extended to 9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day.
Types of Work:
Cannot work in manufacturing, mining, or using power-driven equipment (except office equipment), or operating motor vehicles.
16- and 17-year-olds:
- No state limits on hours.
- Types of Work: No state restrictions, but federal FLSA regulations apply.
Breaking Oklahoma labor laws for minors can lead to fines of up to $500 or 10–30 days’ imprisonment.
Workplace And Safety
Workplace safety for private workers in Oklahoma is mostly regulated by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), which is administered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Workplace safety is assisted by the Oklahoma Department of Labor’s Safety and Health Division through consultations, training, and advice.
The division also comprises the Safety Standards Division, which administers industry-specific rules, and the Licensing Division.
Employer Responsibilities Under OSHA:
- Adhere to all OSHA regulations that apply to their sector.
- Provide a safe work environment that is free from known hazards.
- Post the OSHA poster describing worker rights and employer obligations.
- Offer safety training in workers’ languages.
- Do not retaliate against employees making hazardous or violative reports.
Employers are also required to report work-related fatalities within 8 hours and injuries that involve amputation, eye loss, or inpatient hospitalization within 24 hours.
Taxes In Oklahoma
Oklahoma also has a graduated state income tax for individuals, from 0.25% to 4.75%, based on income levels.
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Curious Minds Also Ask
What are the Oklahoma labor laws?
Oklahoma labor laws regulate minimum wage, child labor, employment safety, and leave, primarily adhering to federal law.
How many breaks do you get in an 8 hour shift in Oklahoma?
As per Oklahoma labor laws lunch break, 14- and 15-year-olds receive 1 hour for 8 hours worked; adult breaks are not mandatory but paid for short breaks of less than 20 minutes if given.
How many hours straight can you legally work in a day in Oklahoma?
No state maximum for adults; federal overtime statutes apply for more than 40 hours a week.
What is the 1 and 1/2 rule in Oklahoma?
Overtime wages are at 1.5 times regular pay for more than 40 hours a week.
Does Oklahoma pay overtime?
Yes, by the FLSA for non-exempt employees who work more than 40 hours a week.
Do you have to pay out PTO in Oklahoma?
Not mandatory; payment is at the employer’s discretion or in the employment contract.
What is the 85% rule in Oklahoma?
No state definition; might be applied to retirement or pension computation.
What is Rule 13 in Oklahoma?
Generally applicable to state administrative processes or employee hearings.
What is the rule of 80 in Oklahoma?
Eligibility for retirement when age and years of service add up to 80.
Does Oklahoma have sick time?
No state requirement of paid sick leave except for FMLA protection.
Can an employer hold your last paycheck in Oklahoma?
Employers are required to pay the last paycheck on or before the next regular payday; withholding is usually illegal.
What is the Slayer rule in Oklahoma?
Prohibits an individual who kills illegally from inheriting from the victim.
What is a Rule 7 hearing in Oklahoma?
As per rule 7 in Oklahoma, an Employment or administrative hearing is used to settle disputes.
What is the zero-tolerance law in Oklahoma?
As per the Zero Tolerance law, Severe enforcement for forbidden activity in workplaces, schools, or public employment.
How long do you have to work for the state of Oklahoma to be vested?
Usually, 5 years of credited service is required to vest for retirement benefits.
What is a Rule 15 hearing in Oklahoma?
As per rule 15, an Administrative or employment hearing for disputes or disciplinary action.
Are you allowed to record conversations in Oklahoma?
Yes, Oklahoma is a one-party consent state; you’re allowed to record if you’re part of the conversation.
FAQ's
What is the minimum wage in Oklahoma for 2025?
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Oklahoma follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour unless a city or employer sets a higher rate.
Are employees entitled to paid sick leave in Oklahoma?
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Oklahoma does not require private employers to provide paid sick leave, though some companies offer it voluntarily.
How often must employees be paid in Oklahoma?
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Employers must pay workers at least twice per month on regular, pre-determined paydays.
Is overtime pay required in Oklahoma?
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Yes, non-exempt employees must receive 1.5 times their regular pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek, following federal law.
