Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania rules that affect this form
| Minimum wage | $7.25 per hour (federal minimum applies) Verify |
|---|---|
| Paid sick leave | No statewide mandate. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have local paid sick leave ordinances. Verify |
| Meal breaks | No state requirement for adult employees (30 minutes after 5 hours for minors and seasonal farmworkers only). |
| Rest breaks | No state requirement. |
| Other rules to know | Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have their own employment ordinances (paid sick leave, among others) that apply to employers in those cities. Verify |
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 Pennsylvania onboarding checklist form?
Pennsylvania does not publish one required onboarding checklist for private employers. Use a clear template and make sure it reflects the Pennsylvania rules on this page.
What is the minimum wage in Pennsylvania in 2026?
$7.25 per hour (federal minimum applies), effective July 24, 2009. State minimum wage equals the federal $7.25/hour, unchanged since 2009. Increase bills have been proposed but none was enacted as of fall 2026. Local governments cannot set higher minimum wages for private employers.
Is paid sick leave required in Pennsylvania?
No statewide mandate. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have local paid sick leave ordinances.
Other Pennsylvania 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.