Minnesota onboarding checklist for employers
An onboarding checklist makes sure every new hire gets the same paperwork, notices and training. Here is what changes when the employee works in Minnesota.
Minnesota rules that affect this form
| Minimum wage | $11.41 per hour |
|---|---|
| Paid sick leave | Yes (Earned Sick and Safe Time): 1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours accrued per year (employers may allow more); covers employees expected to work 80+ hours a year in Minnesota. |
| Meal breaks | Sufficient unpaid time to eat a meal for employees working 8 or more consecutive hours. |
| Rest breaks | Paid adequate rest period within each 4 consecutive hours of work to use the nearest restroom; breaks under 20 minutes must be paid. |
| Other rules to know | Pay transparency: employers with 30+ employees in Minnesota must include a pay range and benefits description in job postings. Minnesota Paid Leave (state family and medical leave insurance): benefits began Jan 1, 2026, up to 20 weeks per benefit year, funded by employer/employee premiums. |
What to include
- Form I-9 completed by the end of the employee's third day of work
- Federal W-4 and the state withholding form, if the state has one
- Report the new hire to the state new-hire registry
- Required state and federal workplace posters and written notices
- Paid sick leave, break and overtime rules explained in plain terms
- Handbook acknowledgment signed and filed
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Frequently asked questions
Is there an official Minnesota onboarding checklist form?
Minnesota does not publish one required onboarding checklist for private employers. Use a clear template and make sure it reflects the Minnesota rules on this page.
What is the minimum wage in Minnesota in 2026?
$11.41 per hour, effective January 1, 2026. $11.41/hour since Jan 1, 2026 (90-day training wage for under-20s: $9.31); adjusted annually for inflation and set to rise to $11.87 on Jan 1, 2027. Minneapolis and St. Paul have higher local rates.
Is paid sick leave required in Minnesota?
Yes (Earned Sick and Safe Time): 1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours accrued per year (employers may allow more); covers employees expected to work 80+ hours a year in Minnesota.
Other Minnesota forms
Onboarding Checklist by state
This page is general information for employers, not legal advice. Employment laws change and can vary by city and county. Confirm details with the state labor department or an employment attorney. Read our disclaimer.