Connecticut FLSA Laws: Your Guide to Compliance
Ensure Compliance with Connecticut-Specific FLSA Auditing
Minimum Wage in Connecticut
- Federal FLSA: $7.25/hour.
- Connecticut Law: $15.00/hour (non-tipped) as of June 1, 2023, with annual CPI adjustments—$15.45/hour effective January 1, 2025 (Connecticut General Statutes, § 31-58). Tipped employees: $6.38/hour (restaurant) or $8.23/hour (other) with tip credits of $9.07 or $7.22, respectively.
- What You Need to Know: Higher state rate applies—violations can lead to double damages and fines up to $1,000 per offense.
Overtime Pay
- Federal FLSA: 1.5x regular rate for hours over 40/week.
- Connecticut Specifics: Matches federal 40-hour rule. Overtime based on state minimum wage ($23.18/hour in 2025). Some sectors (e.g., hospitals) have unique rules—1.5x after 8 hours/day (Connecticut General Statutes, § 31-76b).
- Risk: Misapplying daily overtime or exemptions can spark costly DOL or state audits.
Child Labor
- Connecticut Rules: Minors under 14 restricted to limited roles; 14–15 capped at 3 hours/school day, 8 hours/non-school day; 16–17 barred from hazardous jobs. Work permits required under 16 (Connecticut General Statutes, § 31-23).
- Federal FLSA: Aligns, but Connecticut’s permit rule is stricter—state law prevails.
Recordkeeping
- Federal FLSA: 3-year retention of payroll and hours records.
- Connecticut Addition: 3 years minimum, with detailed pay stubs required showing hours, wages, and deductions (Connecticut General Statutes, § 31-66).
Enforcement & Penalties
- Federal: DOL penalties, back wages, up to $1.2M average for violations.
- Connecticut: Double damages for unpaid wages, fines up to $1,000 per violation, enforced by CT DOL (Connecticut General Statutes, § 31-69a).
Why It Matters for Your Business
- CFOs and Managers: Connecticut’s rising minimum wage, sector-specific overtime, and double-damage penalties heighten compliance risks. A payroll error could cost thousands—or millions in a class-action suit.
- Avoid Costly Mistakes: Stay compliant with expert FLSA auditing tailored to Connecticut laws.
Schedule Your Connecticut FLSA Audit Today
