Labor Rights in Wisconsin
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. |
| Overtime | 1.5x the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek, tracking 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 (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 breaks | No state requirement beyond federal. |
| Right-to-work law | Yes |
| At-will employment | implied contract, public policy |
| Final paycheck | Due 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.
- Minnesota$11.41 minimum wage, paid sick leave yes, right-to-work no.
- Iowa$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.
- Illinois$15.00 minimum wage, paid sick leave yes, right-to-work no.
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
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.