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The State of Ohio labor laws cover a wide range of workplace rules and regulations, including standard working hours, wages, employee leaves, workplace safety, and child labor laws. These Ohio labor laws are crucial for both employees and employers.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key Ohio labor laws for salaried employees and others.
Standard Working Hours & Wage
As per the Ohio labor laws for adults, the standard workweek for adults is typically considered 40 hours. Employers must pay at least the federal minimum wage, which currently applies to most employees, though some exceptions exist for tipped or student workers.
Understanding these standards ensures your business remains compliant with the State of Ohio Labor Laws – while providing fair compensation to your employees.
Minimum Wage
As of January 1, 2025, Ohio’s minimum wage increased to $10.70 per hour for non-tipped employees. This applies to businesses with annual gross receipts of $394,000 or more, and both the wage and threshold are adjusted yearly based on inflation.
Certain employees and businesses are exempt from the state minimum wage, including workers under 16, employees of small businesses earning less than $394,000 per year. Exempt employers must still comply with the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
Ohio labor law sets its own minimum wages, ensuring a uniform statewide standard. All employers are required to display the current minimum wage poster in their workplace to stay compliant.
Overtime Pay
The state of Ohio labor laws require that employees working over 40 hours in a workweek receive overtime pay at 1.5 times their regular hourly rate. This ensures fair compensation for extended work hours and protects employees from being underpaid.
Employers must carefully track hours to comply with these rules.
Tipped Minimum Wage
Ohio law sets the tipped minimum wage at half the state minimum wage, which for 2025 is $5.35 per hour. Employees who earn tips must still receive at least the full state minimum wage of $10.70 per hour when tips and wages are combined.
Similar to standard minimum wage rules, local governments in Ohio cannot set their own tipped wage rates, ensuring a consistent standard across the state. This protects tipped employees and guarantees fair compensation for all hours worked.
Meal & Rest Breaks In Ohio
Ohio labor laws lunch break do not require employers to provide meal or rest breaks for adult employees (18 and older). However, if breaks are offered, they must follow federal guidelines. As per the Ohio labor laws, breaks for adults, Short breaks lasting 5 to 20 minutes must be paid, while proper meal breaks of 30 minutes or more can be unpaid as long as the employee is relieved of all duties.
For minor employees under 18, the law requires a 30-minute rest break for every 5 consecutive hours worked. Employers must strictly follow these rules to stay compliant with Ohio’s child labor laws.
Health And Workplace Safety
Under Ohio law, employers must offer all employees a place of employment that is safe and free from recognized hazards. Employers must provide appropriate safety devices, furniture, and guards, and employees are not to use or remove them.
Ohio does not have specific workplace safety laws of its own, but all employers must follow the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act). It requires having documentation, reporting, and complying with OSHA standards.”
Workers who see dangerous conditions can report violations to OSHA or OSHA offices in Ohio. Public employees are also able to file complaints with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation to ensure that workplace health and safety standards are met.
Leave Policy In Ohio
| Type of Leave | Key Details |
| Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) | Employees must have worked ≥12 months and ≥1,250 hours in the past 12 months.
Employers must have ≥50 employees within 75 miles. Leave can be taken for personal serious health conditions, to care for an immediate family member, or for the birth/adoption/foster care of a child. |
| Military Leave (USERRA) | Employees are entitled to military leave if certain conditions are met. Employers must allow time off for service and reinstate employees upon return. |
| Sick Leave | Can be offered as paid or unpaid, depending on employer policy. Provides time off for personal illness or to care for immediate family members. |
| Other Leaves | May include unpaid personal leave, jury duty, or other statutory leave, depending on employer policy and federal/state law compliance. |
Employee Compensation And Benefits
As per the State of Ohio labor laws, an employee’s final paycheck must be issued promptly at the time of termination. If not immediately, the law requires payment by the next scheduled payday or within 15 days of termination—whichever comes first. Failure to pay in full and on time can result in penalties, including liquidated damages of up to $200.
Employee Scheduling Laws
Employee schedules in Ohio are generally determined by the employer. If hours or schedules are guaranteed in employment contracts or collective bargaining agreements, employers must follow those terms.
Without such agreements, employers may adjust schedules at their discretion, even without prior notice, consistent with federal FLSA guidelines.
Child Labor Laws
Ohio labor laws define a minor as anyone under 18 years of age. State law generally prohibits children under 14 from working, with a few exceptions, such as child performers or volunteer roles.
Work Permits for Minors
| Age Group | Requirement | Process |
| 14–17 | Minor school certificate required | Application completed with details from the employer and the parent/guardian |
| 16–17 (summer vacation) | Exempt from certificate | N/A |
| All minors | Certificate approval | School district representative approves |
| Some jobs | Physician’s certificate required | Submitted to the Ohio Department of Commerce |
| Employer responsibility | Maintain certificates and notify the school district within 5 days if the minor quits or is dismissed | — |
Jobs Prohibited for Minors
Ohio restricts certain types of work for minors, with stricter limits for 14- and 15-year-olds. Prohibited jobs for this age group include:
- Work in freezers, meat coolers, or meat preparation.
- Manufacturing work.
- Transportation work.
- Boiler or engine room work.
- Window washing at heights.
- Cooking, baking, or using power-driven food processing equipment.
- Loading/unloading trucks.
- Warehouse work (except office or clerical).
- Automotive work using pits, racks, or lifting devices.
Violations of Ohio labor laws, minor can carry criminal penalties to the employer as well as the family.
Taxes In Ohio
Ohio has a graduated individual income tax with rates ranging from 2.75% to 3.5%. In addition to state income taxes, some local jurisdictions also collect income taxes. Ohio does not have a corporate income tax, but it does impose a state gross receipts tax.
The state sales tax in Ohio is 5.75%, with the average combined state and local sales tax rate totaling 7.24%. Property owners pay an effective property tax rate of 1.30% on owner-occupied housing. Ohio does not levy an estate or inheritance tax.
Paystub Errors Slowing You Down? Fix Them with Free Tools
Employing employees in Ohio requires effective management of the state of Ohio’s labor laws, wage requirements, and compliance with state and local tax laws. With everything from changes to minimum wage to limitations on child labor, Ohio employers require payroll tools they can count on to make processing payroll easier and more accurate.
In this case, both employers and employees can benefit from a free paystub generator. It provides accurate records and calculations, with a correct printout paystub.
Curious Minds Also Ask
How many hours can you work without a break in Ohio?
Adult employees in Ohio are not entitled to either a lunch (meal) break or short rest breaks mandated by state law. But it depends on the employer’s policy. Minors, however, must have a 30-minute break after 5 hours.
Can an employer not pay you for hours worked in Ohio?
Withholding pay for your work is illegal in Ohio, as per the state of Ohio labor laws. If they do, employees have the option of filing a wage claim with the Ohio Department of Commerce or with the U.S. Department of Labor.
What are the rules for quitting your job in Ohio?
Ohio is an at-will state; you can quit your job at any time without legal repercussions. There is no advance-notice law.
What is an unfair labor practice in Ohio?
The unfair labor practices include retaliation, punishment of employees without legal reason, discrimination, etc.
Does a job have to pay out your PTO in Ohio?
There is no law requiring OH employers to pay out PTO upon termination. It varies according to company policy or job contracts.
Is it illegal to work 7 days a week in Ohio?
It is not illegal to work 7 days a week in Ohio as long as minimum wage and overtime laws apply. Employers are not mandated to provide leave.
Can you be fired without warning in Ohio?
Ohio is an at-will state, so you can be fired without notice for any legal reason. But firing must not be discriminatory or retaliatory.
Can an employer hold your last paycheck if you quit in Ohio?
If you quit your job in Ohio, an employer can not legally withhold your final paycheck. The people who perform the work must be paid for everything that they earn by the next scheduled payday.
Can I sue my employer in Ohio?
Yes, you can sue your employer in Ohio as per the state’s labor laws for discrimination, wage theft, wrongful termination, or other violations of labor laws.
Is Ohio a use it or lose it state?
Ohio permits “use it or lose it” policies as long as the policy is articulated in company policy.
Do you have to give a 2-week notice in Ohio?
You do not have to provide a 2-week notice in Ohio.
What qualifies as wrongful termination in Ohio?
You might have a wrongful termination case in Ohio if you were terminated for discrimination, retaliation, whistleblowing, or because you exercised a legal right or privilege.
Can you be fired over the phone in Ohio?
Yes, Ohio employers can fire employees over the phone, as no state law dictates that being fired must happen in person.
Does Ohio require a termination letter?
No, in Ohio, employers are not mandated to provide a termination letter. But some businesses might issue it as a policy.
How long does an employer have to pay you after termination in Ohio?
In Ohio, an employee must receive their final paycheck by the employee’s next regular pay day, regardless of how they ended employment.
What are my rights if my employer doesn’t pay me in Ohio?
If your Ohio employer does not pay you, you can file a wage claim with the Ohio Department of Commerce.
FAQ's
What is the minimum wage in Ohio for 2025?
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As of January 1, 2025, Ohio’s minimum wage is $10.45 per hour for non-tipped employees and $5.25 per hour for tipped employees, provided the employer’s annual gross receipts exceed $408,000. Smaller employers may still follow the federal minimum wage.
Does Ohio require employers to provide paid sick leave?
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Ohio does not currently have a statewide paid sick leave law. However, employers must comply with the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) if applicable, and some employers may offer sick leave as part of their policies.
Are employees in Ohio entitled to meal or rest breaks?
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Ohio law does not require employers to provide meal or rest breaks for adult employees. However, minors under the age of 18 must receive a 30-minute uninterrupted break for every 5 consecutive hours worked.
What are Ohio’s overtime laws?
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In Ohio, employees are entitled to overtime pay at 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek, unless they are classified as exempt under federal or state law.
