# Labor Rights in Vermont

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

Vermont pairs a mid-range indexed minimum wage ($14.42 in 2026) with universal paid sick leave at all employers. It has no mandatory paid family leave program and no fixed meal break duration, relying instead on a reasonable opportunity standard. Its 72-hour final paycheck deadline for discharged workers is among the stricter in New England.

Data last verified 2026-10-12

## Workplace rights in Vermont at a glance

  Minimum wage (2026)$14.42 per hour, adjusted annually for inflation (the lower of 5% or CPI change) each January 1.Tipped minimum wage (2026)$7.21 per hour cash wage (50% of the minimum wage). If tips plus cash wage do not reach $14.42 per hour in a workweek, the employer must make up the difference.Overtime1.5 times the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek, consistent with federal FLSA. No daily overtime rule.Paid sick leaveYes. All Vermont employers must provide 1 hour of paid sick time for every 52 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year. Employees 18 and older working at least 18 hours per week on average are covered.Paid family and medical leaveNo mandatory state program. Vermont offers a voluntary state-run paid family leave insurance program, but there is no required employee or employer contribution.Meal breaksEmployers must give employees a reasonable opportunity to eat and use restroom facilities during shifts (21 VSA 304). No fixed duration is specified by law.Rest breaksNo state requirement beyond federal.Right-to-work lawNoAt-will employmentImplied contract and public policy exceptions recognized; no general good-faith covenant. Confirm with your state labor department.Final paycheckDue within 72 hours if discharged. If the employee quits, due on the next regular payday.

## How Vermont compares to federal law

Vermont 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

- [**New Hampshire**$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work no.](/labor-rights/new-hampshire/)
- [**Massachusetts**$15.00 minimum wage, paid sick leave yes, right-to-work no.](/labor-rights/massachusetts/)
- [**New York**$17.00 minimum wage, paid sick leave yes, right-to-work no.](/labor-rights/new-york/)

[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 the minimum wage in Vermont in 2026?

$14.42 per hour, adjusted each year for inflation.

### Does Vermont have paid sick leave?

Yes. All employers must provide 1 hour of paid sick time for every 52 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year.

### Is Vermont a right-to-work state?

No. Vermont is not a right-to-work state.

### When must my final paycheck be paid in Vermont?

Within 72 hours if you are discharged; on the next regular payday if you quit.