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Wisconsin Labor Laws 2025

Wisconsin has labor protections including the federal minimum wage, mandatory 30-minute meal breaks for shifts over 6 consecutive hours, an opportunity wage for young workers, and became a Right to Work state in 2015.

Important: Wisconsin requires 30-minute meal breaks for shifts over 6 consecutive hours, scheduled near the usual meal time or middle of shift.

Minimum Wage

Wisconsin 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: $2.33/hour cash wage (with tip credit to reach $7.25)
  • Opportunity employees (under 20, first 90 days): $5.90/hour
  • Applies to all employers regardless of size
  • Most employers are covered by federal FLSA

Additional Resources

Overtime

Wisconsin has state overtime requirements in addition to federal law.

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)
  • Wisconsin law mirrors federal overtime requirements
  • Applies to all employers

Additional Resources

Meal Breaks

Wisconsin requires meal breaks for employees working certain shifts.

Key Requirements

  • Meal break: 30-minute break for shifts over 6 consecutive hours
  • Break should be provided close to the usual meal time or near the middle of the shift
  • Employees must be completely relieved of duties during unpaid meal breaks
  • No state law requiring paid rest breaks
  • Applies to all adult employees

Additional Resources

Payment of Wages

Wisconsin has specific requirements for wage payment frequency and timing.

Key Requirements

  • Employees must be paid at least monthly (31 days or less)
  • Payment must be made on regular paydays designated by employer
  • Final wages: Must be paid by next regular payday
  • Certain wage deductions require written authorization
  • Direct deposit allowed with employee written authorization

Additional Resources

Child Labor

Wisconsin has comprehensive restrictions on youth employment.

Key Requirements

  • Work permits required for minors under 16
  • 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: Limited to 8 hours per day, 50 hours per week
  • Minors under 16 cannot work during school hours or before 6am/after 7pm (9pm summer)

Additional Resources

Right to Work

Wisconsin is a "Right to Work" state as of 2015.

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
  • Wisconsin became a Right to Work state in 2015
  • Does not prohibit unions or collective bargaining
  • Applies to private sector employees

Additional Resources

Meal Break Requirements

Wisconsin requires meal breaks for longer shifts:

  • When required: Shifts over 6 consecutive hours
  • Duration: 30-minute unpaid break
  • Timing: Close to usual meal time or near middle of shift
  • Employees must be completely relieved of duties

Opportunity Wage for Young Workers

Wisconsin allows a reduced wage for certain young workers:

  • Rate: $5.90/hour
  • Eligibility: Employees under 20 years of age
  • Duration: First 90 days of employment
  • After 90 days, must be paid full minimum wage

Wisconsin as Right to Work State

Wisconsin became a Right to Work state in 2015:

  • Workers cannot be compelled to join a union or pay union dues
  • Union security agreements are prohibited
  • Applies to private sector employment

Monthly Pay Frequency Allowed

Wisconsin allows less frequent pay periods than most states:

Employees must be paid at least once per month (within 31 days). This is less frequent than many states that require semi-monthly or more frequent payments.

Navigate Wisconsin's Labor Requirements

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