Rightwork OG Image
Back to Labor Laws Directory

Idaho Labor Laws

Idaho labor law primarily follows federal standards with minimal state-specific employment requirements. The state does not have its own minimum wage or overtime laws, relying instead on federal FLSA protections.

Note: Idaho follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour. The state has minimal additional labor law requirements beyond federal standards.

Minimum Wage

Idaho follows the federal minimum wage with no state minimum wage law.

Key Requirements

  • No state minimum wage - federal minimum wage applies: $7.25 per hour
  • Tipped employees: $3.35/hour cash wage (with tip credit to reach $7.25)
  • All employers covered by FLSA must pay federal minimum wage
  • Training wage: $4.25/hour for employees under 20 during first 90 days
  • Some exemptions for agricultural workers and certain other categories

Additional Resources

Overtime

Idaho follows federal overtime requirements under the FLSA with no additional state requirements.

Key Requirements

  • Overtime pay: 1.5x regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek
  • No daily overtime requirement (calculated weekly)
  • Standard FLSA exemptions apply (executive, administrative, professional)
  • No state-specific overtime laws
  • Workweek is seven consecutive 24-hour periods

Additional Resources

Meal and Rest Breaks

Idaho does not require employers to provide meal or rest breaks for adult employees.

Key Requirements

  • No state law requiring meal breaks for adult employees
  • No state law requiring rest breaks for adult employees
  • Minors under 16: 30-minute break required for shifts over 5 consecutive hours
  • If breaks are voluntarily provided, federal rules apply
  • Short breaks (5-20 minutes) must be paid if provided
  • Nursing mothers have right to express milk (federal requirement)

Additional Resources

Payment of Wages

Idaho has specific requirements for wage payment frequency and timing.

Key Requirements

  • Employees must be paid at least once per month
  • Payment must be made within 10 days after end of pay period
  • Final wages: Must be paid by next regular payday or within 10 days, whichever is sooner
  • If employee quits with less than 48 hours notice: payment due within 10 days or next payday
  • Direct deposit allowed with employee written authorization

Additional Resources

Child Labor

Idaho has restrictions on youth employment, particularly regarding hazardous work and work hours.

Key Requirements

  • Minors under 14: Generally prohibited from employment except family businesses, agriculture, entertainment
  • Ages 14-15: Limited to 3 hours per school day, 18 hours per week during school
  • Ages 14-15: 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week when school not in session
  • Ages 16-17: No hour restrictions, but hazardous occupation restrictions apply
  • Federal child labor laws apply in addition to state laws

Additional Resources

Right to Work

Idaho is a "Right to Work" state, protecting workers' freedom of association.

Key Requirements

  • Employees cannot be required to join a union as a condition of employment
  • Employers cannot require union dues or fees as a condition of employment
  • Protected by Idaho Constitution Article I, Section 29
  • Does not prohibit unions or collective bargaining
  • Workers have freedom to choose whether to join or support a union

Additional Resources

Federal Laws Apply

Since Idaho has minimal state-specific labor laws, employers must focus on federal compliance:

FLSA

Fair Labor Standards Act governs minimum wage, overtime, recordkeeping, and youth employment.

FMLA

Family and Medical Leave Act provides job-protected leave for eligible employees.

ADA

Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination and requires reasonable accommodations.

Title VII

Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Idaho as a Right to Work State

Idaho's Right to Work status has important implications:

  • Workers cannot be compelled to join a union or pay union dues
  • Union security agreements are prohibited
  • Protected by Idaho Constitution Article I, Section 29

Minor Employment Breaks

While adult employees have no break requirements, Idaho requires breaks for minors:

  • Minors under 16 must receive a 30-minute break for every 5 consecutive hours worked
  • Break must be uninterrupted and the minor must be completely relieved of duties
  • Federal child labor laws also apply in addition to state requirements

Simplify Federal Labor Compliance

Even in states with minimal additional requirements, Rightwork ensures your schedules comply with all federal labor laws including FLSA overtime and child labor restrictions.

Learn More About Rightwork