Labor Rights in Ohio
Ohio workers get an inflation-adjusted minimum wage ($11.00 in 2026) that applies mainly to larger employers, but the state offers no paid sick leave, no paid family leave, and no break protections for adults. Firing protections follow the standard at-will rule with implied-contract and public-policy exceptions.
Data last verified 2026-10-12
Workplace rights in Ohio at a glance
| Minimum wage (2026) | $11.00, indexed annually to inflation under the state constitution. Applies to employers with annual gross receipts over $405,000. Smaller employers and workers ages 14-15 follow the federal $7.25. |
|---|---|
| Tipped minimum wage (2026) | $5.50 cash wage (half the minimum wage). Tips must bring total pay to $11.00 per hour; the employer must cover any shortfall. |
| Overtime | 1.5x the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek under Ohio law, which tracks the federal FLSA. No daily overtime. |
| Paid sick leave | No statewide mandate. |
| Paid family and medical leave | No state program. |
| Meal breaks | No state requirement for adults beyond federal. Workers under 18 must get a 30-minute rest period after 5 consecutive hours of work. |
| Rest breaks | No state requirement beyond federal. |
| Right-to-work law | No |
| At-will employment | implied contract, public policy |
| Final paycheck | Ohio has no separate final-pay deadline; final wages follow the regular semimonthly payday schedule, so they are due by the next regular payday (in practice within about 15 days of separation). |
How Ohio compares to federal law
Ohio 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. 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
- Michigan$13.73 minimum wage, paid sick leave yes, right-to-work no.
- Pennsylvania$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work no.
- West Virginia$8.75 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.
- Kentucky$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.
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
Does Ohio's minimum wage go up every year?
Yes. Ohio's constitution requires the minimum wage to be adjusted for inflation each January 1. For 2026 it is $11.00 for employers with gross receipts over $405,000; smaller employers follow the federal $7.25.
Am I owed overtime if I work more than 8 hours in a day in Ohio?
No. Ohio requires overtime only after 40 hours in a workweek, paid at 1.5 times your regular rate. Daily hours alone do not trigger overtime.
Does my Ohio employer have to give me a meal break?
Only if you are under 18. Ohio has no meal or rest break law for adult workers; minors must get a 30-minute rest period after 5 consecutive hours.
When do I get my last paycheck in Ohio?
Ohio has no special final-pay deadline. Your final wages are paid under the normal semimonthly schedule, so expect them by the next regular payday.