Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio Hourly Wages: What You Need to Know
There are several fundamental laws that every employee in Ohio should be familiar with. Some of these laws include regulations regarding minimum wage, how much of an employee’s earnings can be supplemented with tips, and when one is entitled to overtime pay. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about hourly wages in Ohio.
What is the Minimum Wage in Ohio?
According to Ohio’s Revised Code Section 4111, as of January 1st, 2022, the minimum wage in Ohio is $9.30 per hour. If an employer owns a small business that grosses $323,000 or less annually, they are permitted to pay their employees $7.25 hourly.
How Often Should Workers be Paid Monthly in Ohio?
According to Ohio’s Revised Code, Section 4113.15, Ohio employees should be paid at least twice every month. If wages are left unpaid for thirty days or longer, an employee may file a claim against the employer. After sixty days, the employer is liable for providing 6% of the unpaid claim amount or $200—whichever is greater—to the employee.
Related: Taking Time Off Work in Ohio
Is Minimum Wage Different for Tipped Employees in Ohio?
According to the Fair Labor Standards Act, an employer may pay tipped employees less than minimum wage. This is only the case if the total earned from tips and hourly wages equates to the full amount a worker would have earned if they received minimum wage for every hour worked. Essentially, tips can be used to cover part of an employee’s minimum wage as long as an employee’s total annual income is not less than $19,344. Employers may supplement up to 50% of minimum wage with tips. This equates to $4.65 as of 2022.
Does Ohio Law Require Breaks for Lunch or Rest?
According to Ohio law, employers are technically not required to provide their employees with time off to eat lunch or take breaks. However, if an employee is granted time off during work to take a break through a mutual agreement, but is given work to do during this time, they are still entitled to payment.
Does Ohio Law Require Payment on Holidays?
As of now, there is no law in Ohio requiring employers to pay their employees for holidays, vacations, or sick days.
When Can a Worker Receive Overtime in Ohio?
In Ohio, a worker is qualified to receive overtime pay if they work for more than 40 hours in a week. If an employee has worked over 40 hours, they are entitled to 1½ pay for every hour after that. However, overtime pay is not applicable for some positions and occupations. These include volunteers, independent contractors, seasonal or recreational employees, newspaper deliverers, and others.
Related: Ohio Labor Laws for Remote Workers
Can an Employer Require Employees to Work 7 Days without a Day Off?
There are no laws regulating the number of hours an employee can work weekly, so long as the employer compensates overtime with 1½ pay.
What Can I Do if I Have Wage Complaints?
If you have any formal complaints regarding minimum wage, unpaid hours, or any other similar issues, you may fill out the Minimum Wage Complaint Form and mail it to Ohio’s Department of Commerce.
If a wage complaint is filed against your employer and you are still an employee at the time of your claim, you can not be terminated for filing a complaint. If the complaint is reviewed and accepted, it will be assigned to an investigator. If rejected, you will receive a notice from the Bureau of Wage & Hour Administration stating that it has been rejected.
What are the Penalties For Minimum Wage Violations?
If it is confirmed that an employer is violating minimum wage laws, they will be penalized. These penalties range from minor misdemeanors to third or fourth-degree misdemeanors, depending on which divisions of section 4111.14 the employer violates.
If you have questions regarding employment law in Ohio and need a lawyer, get your free consultation with a Her Lawyer attorney today.
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If you or a loved one would like to learn more about Ohio Wage & Hour FAQs, get your free consultation with one of our Employment Attorneys in Ohio today!