Oklahoma HR laws for employers (2026)
The Oklahoma rules employers ask about most: minimum wage, overtime, final pay, unused vacation, paid sick leave and breaks.
Oklahoma employment law at a glance
| Minimum wage | $7.25 per hour (federal minimum applies) |
|---|---|
| Tipped cash wage | $2.13 per hour |
| Overtime | No state overtime law beyond federal; FLSA time and a half after 40 hours a week applies. |
| Final pay when fired | By the next regular payday for the pay period in which the work was performed; by certified mail if the employee requests. Verify |
| Final pay when an employee quits | By the next regular payday (same rule for any separation). Verify |
| Unused vacation / PTO at separation | Vacation pay is included in the state's definition of wages, but state law does not expressly require payout; it generally follows the employer's policy or agreement. Verify |
| Paid sick leave | No statewide mandate. |
| Meal breaks | No state requirement for adult employees (required for minors only). |
| Rest breaks | No state requirement. |
Minimum wage note: Oklahoma adopts the federal $7.25/hour by reference for employers with 10+ full-time employees at one location or over $100,000 in annual gross sales; other non-FLSA employers have a $2.00 state minimum. Most employers are covered by the federal $7.25. No scheduled increase; no local minimum wages.
Verify means we could not confirm that item from an official Oklahoma or US Department of Labor source, so check it with the state before relying on it.
Other Oklahoma rules to know
- Non-competes for employees are void by statute (15 O.S. 219A); a former employee may only be barred from directly soliciting the former employer's established customers.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Oklahoma in 2026?
$7.25 per hour (federal minimum applies), effective July 24, 2009. Oklahoma adopts the federal $7.25/hour by reference for employers with 10+ full-time employees at one location or over $100,000 in annual gross sales; other non-FLSA employers have a $2.00 state minimum. Most employers are covered by the federal $7.25. No scheduled increase; no local minimum wages.
When is a final paycheck due in Oklahoma?
If the employer ends employment: By the next regular payday for the pay period in which the work was performed; by certified mail if the employee requests. If the employee quits: By the next regular payday (same rule for any separation).
Does Oklahoma require paying out unused vacation?
Vacation pay is included in the state's definition of wages, but state law does not expressly require payout; it generally follows the employer's policy or agreement.
Is paid sick leave required in Oklahoma?
No statewide mandate.
Sources
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.