Pennsylvania HR laws for employers (2026)
The Pennsylvania rules employers ask about most: minimum wage, overtime, final pay, unused vacation, paid sick leave and breaks.
Pennsylvania employment law at a glance
| Minimum wage | $7.25 per hour (federal minimum applies) Verify |
|---|---|
| Tipped cash wage | $2.83 per hour |
| Overtime | No daily overtime; time and a half after 40 hours a week, same as federal. |
| Final pay when fired | By the next regular payday; 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 | Not required by state law; vacation is a fringe benefit owed only if the employer's policy or agreement provides for payout. No state rule on use-it-or-lose-it. 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. |
Minimum wage note: 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.
Verify means we could not confirm that item from an official Pennsylvania or US Department of Labor source, so check it with the state before relying on it.
Other Pennsylvania rules to know
- Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have their own employment ordinances (paid sick leave, among others) that apply to employers in those cities.
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Frequently asked questions
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.
When is a final paycheck due in Pennsylvania?
If the employer ends employment: By the next regular payday; by certified mail if the employee requests. If the employee quits: By the next regular payday (same rule for any separation).
Does Pennsylvania require paying out unused vacation?
Not required by state law; vacation is a fringe benefit owed only if the employer's policy or agreement provides for payout. No state rule on use-it-or-lose-it.
Is paid sick leave required in Pennsylvania?
No statewide mandate. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have local paid sick leave ordinances.
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.