# Labor Rights in Michigan

[Labor rights by state](/labor-rights/)

Michigan is one of the stronger Midwest states for workers in 2026: a $13.73 minimum wage rising to $15 in 2027, a paid sick time law covering part-time workers, and no right-to-work law since the 2023 repeal. The state still has no adult meal or rest break law and no paid family leave program.

Data last verified 2026-10-12

## Workplace rights in Michigan at a glance

  Minimum wage (2026)$13.73, rising to $15.00 on Jan 1, 2027, then indexed to Midwest CPI. Set by the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act as amended by Public Act 1 of 2025.Tipped minimum wage (2026)$5.49 cash wage (40% of the minimum wage). Tips must total at least $8.24 per hour and wages plus tips must reach $13.73, with the employer covering any shortfall. The tipped share rises to 42% in 2027 and phases up to 50% by 2031.Overtime1.5x the regular rate after 40 hours in a 7-day workweek under the IWOWA. No daily overtime.Paid sick leaveYes. The Earned Sick Time Act (as amended Feb 2025): 1 hour of paid sick time per 30 hours worked. Annual use capped at 72 hours (40 hours for small businesses). Covers full-time, part-time, and temporary employees; new hires may face up to a 120-day waiting period before using accrued time. Confirm with your state labor department.Paid family and medical leaveNo state program.Meal breaksNo state requirement for adults beyond federal. Workers under 18 must get a 30-minute break after 5 consecutive hours.Rest breaksNo state requirement beyond federal.Right-to-work lawNoAt-will employmentimplied contract, public policyFinal paycheckDue as soon as the amount can be determined with due diligence (MCL 408.475), typically by the next regular payday.

## How Michigan compares to federal law

Michigan sets a minimum wage above the federal floor of $7.25 an hour, so the state rate is what most employers must pay. Overtime follows the federal Fair Labor Standards Act: time-and-a-half after 40 hours in a workweek.

## Neighboring states

- [**Ohio**$11.00 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work no.](/labor-rights/ohio/)
- [**Indiana**$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.](/labor-rights/indiana/)
- [**Wisconsin**$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.](/labor-rights/wisconsin/)

[Compare all 50 states and DC side by side](/labor-rights/)

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

### What is Michigan's minimum wage in 2026 and will it change?

$13.73 per hour as of Jan 1, 2026. It rises to $15.00 on Jan 1, 2027, then adjusts with Midwest inflation. The tipped cash wage is $5.49 in 2026 (40% of the minimum) and rises on the same schedule.

### Do I get paid sick time in Michigan?

Yes, under the Earned Sick Time Act. You earn 1 hour per 30 hours worked and can use up to 72 hours per year (40 hours at small businesses). Part-time and temporary workers are covered, and new hires may face a waiting period of up to 120 days before using it.

### Is Michigan still a right-to-work state?

No. Michigan repealed its right-to-work law in 2023 (effective 2024), so unions can again require covered workers in unionized workplaces to pay representation fees.

### Do Michigan employers have to give breaks?

Not to adults. There is no state meal or rest break law for workers 18 and older. Workers under 18 must get a 30-minute break after 5 consecutive hours.