# Labor Rights in Minnesota

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

Minnesota overhauled its labor code in 2026 with an $11.41 minimum wage, a new state paid family and medical leave program, paid sick time for nearly all workers, and first-ever defined meal and rest break rules with real penalties. It has no tip credit and is not a right-to-work state.

Data last verified 2026-10-12

## Workplace rights in Minnesota at a glance

  Minimum wage (2026)$11.41, indexed annually to inflation. A single rate for all employers after the small-employer tier was eliminated; $11.87 already announced for 2027. Training wage of $9.31 for workers under 20 in their first 90 days. No tip credit.Tipped minimum wage (2026)$11.41. Minnesota does not allow a tip credit; tipped workers must be paid the full minimum wage before tips.OvertimeFederal FLSA 1.5x after 40 hours applies to nearly all Minnesota employers. Minnesota's own law only requires 1.5x after 48 hours, which matters only for the small number of employers outside FLSA coverage. No daily overtime.Paid sick leaveYes. Earned Sick and Safe Time: 1 hour of paid leave per 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year, with carryover. Covers nearly all employees, including part-time, temporary, and seasonal workers.Paid family and medical leaveYes. Minnesota Paid Leave launched Jan 1, 2026, administered by DEED. Premium of 0.88% of covered wages, split between employer and employee (up to 0.44% from employees). Benefits up to 90% of wages, capped at about $1,423 per week. Up to 12 weeks of family leave plus 12 weeks of medical leave per year, max 20 weeks combined. Job protection after 90 days of employment.Meal breaksUnpaid 30-minute meal break when working 6 or more consecutive hours (effective Jan 1, 2026). Missed breaks carry liquidated damages equal to the missed break pay.Rest breaksPaid 15-minute rest break (or enough time to use the nearest restroom, whichever is longer) within every 4 consecutive hours worked (effective Jan 1, 2026). Missed breaks carry liquidated damages equal to the missed break pay.Right-to-work lawNoAt-will employmentimplied contract, public policyFinal paycheckEmployees who are discharged are owed final wages within 24 hours of demanding them; employees who quit are paid on the next regular payday (Minn. Stat. 181.13, 181.14).

## How Minnesota compares to federal law

Minnesota 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

- [**North Dakota**$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.](/labor-rights/north-dakota/)
- [**South Dakota**$11.85 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.](/labor-rights/south-dakota/)
- [**Iowa**$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.](/labor-rights/iowa/)
- [**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 new for Minnesota workers in 2026?

Three big changes took effect Jan 1, 2026: the minimum wage rose to $11.41, the Minnesota Paid Leave program started (up to 20 weeks of paid family and medical leave per year), and new rules require a paid 15-minute rest break every 4 hours plus a 30-minute meal break for shifts of 6 or more hours.

### How does Minnesota Paid Leave work?

Nearly all employees are covered. A 0.88% payroll premium funds it, split between you and your employer (up to 0.44% from you). Benefits replace up to 90% of your wages, capped at about $1,423 per week, with job protection after 90 days of employment.

### Do tipped workers get a lower minimum wage in Minnesota?

No. Minnesota does not allow a tip credit, so tipped employees must be paid the full $11.41 minimum wage before tips.

### What happens if my employer skips my breaks?

Employers owe you the wages you would have earned during the missed break at your regular rate, plus an additional equal amount as liquidated damages.