Labor Rights in Iowa
Iowa tracks the federal floor with a $7.25 minimum wage and no state paid sick leave, paid family leave, or break requirements. It is a right-to-work state, and at-will employment has implied-contract and public-policy exceptions.
Data last verified 2026-10-12
Workplace rights in Iowa at a glance
| Minimum wage (2026) | $7.25. Iowa has not set a state rate above the federal floor, which has been unchanged since 2009. |
|---|---|
| Tipped minimum wage (2026) | $4.35 cash wage (60% of the minimum). Tips must bring total pay to $7.25 per hour; the employer must cover any shortfall. |
| Overtime | 1.5x the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek under the FLSA; Iowa has no separate state overtime rule. No daily overtime. |
| Paid sick leave | No statewide mandate (local mandates are preempted). |
| Paid family and medical leave | No state program. |
| Meal breaks | No state requirement beyond federal. |
| Rest breaks | No state requirement beyond federal. |
| Right-to-work law | Yes |
| At-will employment | implied contract, public policy |
| Final paycheck | Due no later than the next regular payday for the pay period in which the wages were earned (Iowa Code 91A.4). |
How Iowa compares to federal law
Iowa uses the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, with no higher state rate. Overtime follows the federal Fair Labor Standards Act: time-and-a-half after 40 hours in a workweek. There is no state paid sick leave or paid family leave mandate, so the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (unpaid leave for eligible workers) is the only baseline.
Neighboring states
- Minnesota$11.41 minimum wage, paid sick leave yes, right-to-work no.
- Wisconsin$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.
- Illinois$15.00 minimum wage, paid sick leave yes, right-to-work no.
- Missouri$15.00 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work no.
Compare all 50 states and DC side by side
Workplace laws change. This summary reflects state law as verified on 2026-10-12; confirm details with your state labor department before acting on it.
Frequently asked questions
Is Iowa's minimum wage $7.25?
Yes. Iowa has not set a state rate above the federal $7.25 floor, which has been unchanged since 2009.
What is the tipped wage in Iowa?
$4.35 per hour. Your employer can take a tip credit, but your cash wage plus tips must total at least $7.25 per hour, and they must cover any shortfall.
Does Iowa require meal breaks or paid sick leave?
No. Iowa has no state meal or rest break law for adults and no statewide paid sick leave or paid family leave mandate.
When is my final paycheck due in Iowa?
No later than the next regular payday for the pay period in which the wages were earned.