Intro to Minnesota Labor Laws

The state minimum wage in Minnesota is $11.41 per hour.

Some Minnesota cities and counties have their own wage requirements that exceed the state-wide minimum wage. Employers with potentially impacted employees should review both state and local requirements. Below are the minimum wages in some of Minnesota’s larger localities that exceed the state rate:

• Minneapolis(opens in a new tab) -  $16.37 per hour

• St. Paul(opens in a new tab) - $16.37 for business with over 100 employees, $14 for 6-100 employees, and $12.25 for 5 and fewer employees

Please check the references for additional minimum wage requirements across localities.

References: 

• Minnesota Minimum Wage(opens in a new tab)

• Minimum Wage Tracker(opens in a new tab)

Minnesota follows the federal minimum exempt requirement of $684 per week or $35,568 per year for most exemptions from minimum wage and overtime.

References: Federal Minimum Exemption Threshold(opens in a new tab)

Minnesota state law requires employers to provide employees with reasonable meal and restroom breaks. Non-exempt employees must be given a paid rest break of at least 15 minutes for every 4 consecutive hours worked. Additionally, an unpaid meal break of at least 30 minutes must be provided to employees working six or more consecutive hours.

References: Work Break Requirements(opens in a new tab)

Minnesota law requires all employers, without exception, to allow employees to take breaks to pump breast milk and a private room to pump that isn’t a bathroom near the workplace. The private room must also include an electrical outlet. There are no limitations on how long an employee can exercise this right. Break times may occur concurrently with existing breaks. 

References: Breastfeeding Information for Workplaces(opens in a new tab)