The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) creates some basic wage and hour protections for most employees who work in the United States. But the FLSA is a floor, not a ceiling: States are free to create higher standards for workers, and many have. Some states have a higher minimum wage than the federal standard (currently $7.25 an hour); some have more protective overtime rules; and some require employers to provide meal and/or rest breaks, which aren't required by federal law.
If your state offers more rights than federal law, you're entitled to the protections that are most beneficial to you. To find out how your state handles wage and hour issues, select it from the list below.
If your employer is violating the FLSA, or the wage laws of your state, you may have a wage claim. In most states, you can file an administrative complaint with a government agency, such as the state Department of Labor. By selecting your state below, you can find out how to calculate unpaid wages, how to identify any penalties you're owed, and how to file a wage claim.
Sidestep the lawyers with do-it-yourself books, documents, and software.
Online Form
Online Form
Nolo offers hundreds of consumer-friendly, do-it-yourself legal products for all types of legal situations. Browse our full product list.
Click below to view more legal issues. Our extensive collection of legal topics ranges across different areas of practice.
Our editors have over 100 years of combined experience practicing law. These professionals have worked in a wide range of legal areas, from estate planning to criminal law to business formation and beyond. They’re experts at explaining complicated legal issues in easy-to-understand terms.
Learn more about the team that manages Nolo’s articles, books, and DIY tools.
Find an experienced, local attorney in three easy steps. Our process is designed for ease and simplicity.
Briefly tell us about your case, and provide your contact information.
We find and instantly list attorneys that can best handle your case.
Choose the attorneys you would like to work with.
At Nolo, we prioritize quality and transparency because we know how important reliable legal information is to our readers. Our information is meticulously researched, regularly updated, and written in plain English by our experienced writers and editors. Learn more about our editorial standards.
Grow your firm with Martindale-Nolo, the largest legal network, and learn more about our attorney lead-generation and marketing services.
At Nolo, we prioritize quality and transparency because we know how important reliable legal information is to our readers. Our information is meticulously researched, regularly updated, and written in plain English by our experienced writers and editors. Learn more about our editorial standards.