Minnesota HR laws for employers (2026)
The Minnesota rules employers ask about most: minimum wage, overtime, final pay, unused vacation, paid sick leave and breaks.
Minnesota employment law at a glance
| Minimum wage | $11.41 per hour |
|---|---|
| Tipped cash wage | Full minimum wage, no tip credit; tips are in addition to the minimum wage. |
| Overtime | No daily overtime; state law requires 1.5x after 48 hours per week (the federal FLSA's 40-hour rule still applies to covered employers). |
| Final pay when fired | Immediately upon the employee's written demand; the employer is in default if not paid within 24 hours of the demand. |
| Final pay when an employee quits | By the next regular payday; if that payday is less than 5 calendar days after the last day, by the second payday, but no later than 20 calendar days after the last day. |
| Unused vacation / PTO at separation | Not required by state law unless the employer's policy or contract provides for it. Verify |
| 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. |
Minimum wage note: $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.
Verify means we could not confirm that item from an official Minnesota or US Department of Labor source, so check it with the state before relying on it.
Other Minnesota 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.
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Frequently asked questions
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.
When is a final paycheck due in Minnesota?
If the employer ends employment: Immediately upon the employee's written demand; the employer is in default if not paid within 24 hours of the demand. If the employee quits: By the next regular payday; if that payday is less than 5 calendar days after the last day, by the second payday, but no later than 20 calendar days after the last day.
Does Minnesota require paying out unused vacation?
Not required by state law unless the employer's policy or contract provides for it.
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.
Sources
- Minnesota DLI - Minimum wage
- Minn. Stat. § 177.25 (overtime)
- Minn. Stat. § 181.13 (discharged employees)
- Minn. Stat. § 181.14 (employees who quit)
- Minnesota DLI - Earned Sick and Safe Time
- Minn. Stat. § 181.173 (pay transparency)
- Minnesota DEED - Paid Leave employer overview
- US DOL - State Meal and Rest Period Requirements
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.