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Iowa Labor Laws 2025

Iowa labor law largely follows federal standards with minimal state-specific employment requirements. The state follows the federal minimum wage and became a Right to Work state in 2017.

Note: Iowa follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour and has minimal additional labor law requirements beyond federal standards. Most laws apply to employers with 4 or more employees.

Minimum Wage

Iowa follows the federal minimum wage with no state minimum wage law above federal levels.

Key Requirements

  • State minimum wage: $7.25 per hour (same as federal minimum)
  • Tipped employees: $4.35/hour cash wage (with tip credit to reach $7.25)
  • Training wage: $6.35/hour for first 90 days for employees under 20
  • Applies to employers with 4 or more employees
  • Some exemptions for agricultural workers and family businesses

Additional Resources

Overtime

Iowa 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

Iowa 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

Iowa has specific requirements for wage payment frequency and timing.

Key Requirements

  • Employees must be paid at least monthly
  • Payment must be made on regular paydays established by employer
  • Final wages: Must be paid by next regular payday
  • If employer does not establish regular payday, payment due within 30 days of end of work period
  • Direct deposit allowed with employee written authorization

Additional Resources

Child Labor

Iowa has restrictions on youth employment, particularly during school hours.

Key Requirements

  • Work permits required for minors under 16
  • Ages 14-15: Limited to 4 hours per school day, 28 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
  • Minors under 16 cannot work before 7am or after 7pm (9pm in summer)

Additional Resources

Right to Work

Iowa 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
  • Iowa became a Right to Work state in 2017
  • Does not prohibit unions or collective bargaining
  • Workers have freedom to choose whether to join or support a union

Additional Resources

Employer Size Threshold

Iowa's minimum wage law includes a threshold based on employer size:

4 or More Employees

Subject to Iowa minimum wage requirements

$7.25/hour

Fewer Than 4 Employees

May be exempt from state requirements

Federal law still applies

Iowa as a Right to Work State

Iowa became a Right to Work state in 2017:

  • Workers cannot be compelled to join a union or pay union dues
  • Union security agreements are prohibited
  • Does not prohibit collective bargaining or union formation

Federal Laws Apply

Since Iowa 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.

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.

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