# Labor Rights in Wisconsin

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

Wisconsin's wage floor has been frozen at $7.25 since 2009, and the state has no paid sick leave, no paid family leave, and no adult break requirements. It is a right-to-work state, so union membership and fees cannot be required as a condition of employment.

Data last verified 2026-10-12

## Workplace rights in Wisconsin at a glance

  Minimum wage (2026)$7.25, unchanged since July 2009. Matches the federal rate.Tipped minimum wage (2026)$2.33 cash wage. Wages plus tips must reach $7.25 per hour; the employer must cover any shortfall.Overtime1.5x the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek, tracking the federal FLSA. No daily overtime.Paid sick leaveNo statewide mandate.Paid family and medical leaveNo state program.Meal breaksNo state requirement for adults beyond federal (the DWD recommends a 30-minute meal break for shifts over 6 hours). Workers under 18 must get a 30-minute break after 6 consecutive hours.Rest breaksNo state requirement beyond federal.Right-to-work lawYesAt-will employmentimplied contract, public policyFinal paycheckDue in full by the next regular payday (Wis. Stat. 109.03(2)). If the job ends due to a merger, sale, relocation, or closure, payment is due within 24 hours.

## How Wisconsin compares to federal law

Wisconsin 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

- [**Michigan**$13.73 minimum wage, paid sick leave yes, right-to-work no.](/labor-rights/michigan/)
- [**Minnesota**$11.41 minimum wage, paid sick leave yes, right-to-work no.](/labor-rights/minnesota/)
- [**Iowa**$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.](/labor-rights/iowa/)
- [**Illinois**$15.00 minimum wage, paid sick leave yes, right-to-work no.](/labor-rights/illinois/)

[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

### Is Wisconsin's minimum wage really still $7.25?

Yes. It has not changed since July 2009 and matches the federal rate. A June 2026 UW-Madison report estimated a single adult needs about $20.96 per hour to live in Wisconsin.

### Does Wisconsin require paid sick leave?

No. There is no statewide paid sick leave or paid family leave mandate in Wisconsin.

### Do Wisconsin employers have to give breaks?

No. Wisconsin does not require meal or rest breaks for adult workers, though the DWD recommends a 30-minute meal break for shifts over 6 hours. Workers under 18 must get a 30-minute break after 6 consecutive hours.

### When do I get my final paycheck in Wisconsin?

In full by the next regular payday. If you lose your job because of a merger, sale, relocation, or business closure, your employer must pay you within 24 hours.