Georgia HR laws for employers (2026)
The Georgia rules employers ask about most: minimum wage, overtime, final pay, unused vacation, paid sick leave and breaks.
Georgia employment law at a glance
| Minimum wage | $7.25 per hour (federal minimum applies) |
|---|---|
| Tipped cash wage | $2.13 per hour |
| Overtime | No state daily overtime. Federal FLSA rules apply (1.5x after 40 hours in a workweek). |
| Final pay when fired | No state final paycheck deadline. Many employers pay on the next regular payday. Verify |
| Final pay when an employee quits | No state final paycheck deadline. Many employers pay on the next regular payday. Verify |
| Unused vacation / PTO at separation | Not required by state law. Payout is owed only if the employer's policy or contract promises it. Verify |
| Paid sick leave | No statewide mandate, and state law preempts local sick leave ordinances. Employers with 25+ employees that already offer sick leave must let employees working 30+ hours a week use up to 5 days a year to care for immediate family (O.C.G.A. 34-1-10). |
| Meal breaks | No state requirement for adult employees. |
| Rest breaks | No state requirement. |
Minimum wage note: Georgia's own minimum wage is $5.15 (employers of 6+), which is below federal, so the federal $7.25 applies to FLSA-covered employers. State law preempts local minimum wage ordinances, and no 2027 increase is scheduled.
Verify means we could not confirm that item from an official Georgia or US Department of Labor source, so check it with the state before relying on it.
Other Georgia rules to know
- Kin care: employers with 25+ employees that offer sick leave must allow up to 5 days a year of it for family care (O.C.G.A. 34-1-10).
- State law (O.C.G.A. 34-4-3.1) preempts local wage and benefit mandates, so cities and counties cannot set their own minimum wage or sick leave rules.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Georgia in 2026?
$7.25 per hour (federal minimum applies), effective July 24, 2009. Georgia's own minimum wage is $5.15 (employers of 6+), which is below federal, so the federal $7.25 applies to FLSA-covered employers. State law preempts local minimum wage ordinances, and no 2027 increase is scheduled.
When is a final paycheck due in Georgia?
If the employer ends employment: No state final paycheck deadline. Many employers pay on the next regular payday. If the employee quits: No state final paycheck deadline. Many employers pay on the next regular payday.
Does Georgia require paying out unused vacation?
Not required by state law. Payout is owed only if the employer's policy or contract promises it.
Is paid sick leave required in Georgia?
No statewide mandate, and state law preempts local sick leave ordinances. Employers with 25+ employees that already offer sick leave must let employees working 30+ hours a week use up to 5 days a year to care for immediate family (O.C.G.A. 34-1-10).
Sources
- US DOL - State Minimum Wage Laws (updated July 1, 2026)
- US DOL - Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (July 1, 2026)
- Georgia DOL - Individuals FAQs: Fair Labor Standards Act
- US DOL - State Meal Break Requirements
- Ezel - Georgia final paycheck deadlines (secondary)
- Ezel - Georgia paid sick leave requirements (secondary)
HR laws in other states
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.