Ohio FLSA Laws: Your Guide to Compliance
Secure Your Business with Ohio-Specific FLSA Auditing
Minimum Wage in Ohio
- Federal FLSA: $7.25/hour.
- Ohio Law: $10.45/hour (non-tipped) as of January 1, 2024, with annual CPI adjustments—$10.76/hour effective January 1, 2025 for employers with >$385,000 annual gross receipts (Ohio Revised Code § 4111.02; Article II, § 34a). Smaller firms: $7.25/hour. Tipped employees: $5.38/hour with a $5.38 tip credit (half the state rate).
- What You Need to Know: Higher state rate applies for most—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.
- Ohio Specifics: Matches federal 40-hour rule. Overtime based on state minimum wage ($16.14/hour for most in 2025). No fluctuating workweek method allowed (Ohio Revised Code § 4111.03).
- Risk: Misclassifications or unpaid overtime can trigger state or DOL penalties.
Child Labor
- Ohio 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 18 (Ohio Revised Code § 4109.02).
- Federal FLSA: Aligns, but Ohio’s permit rule is stricter—state law applies.
Recordkeeping
- Federal FLSA: 3-year retention of payroll and hours records.
- Ohio Addition: 3 years minimum, with detailed pay stubs required showing hours, wages, and deductions (Ohio Revised Code § 4111.08).
Enforcement & Penalties
- Federal: DOL penalties, back wages, up to $1.2M average for violations.
- Ohio: Double damages for unpaid wages, fines up to $1,000 per violation, enforced by OH DOC (Ohio Revised Code § 4111.14).
Why It Matters for Your Business
- CFOs and Managers: Ohio’s $10.76 minimum wage, annual increases, and double-damage penalties heighten compliance risks. A payroll error could cost thousands—or millions in a DOL audit.
- Avoid Costly Mistakes: Stay compliant with expert FLSA auditing tailored to Ohio laws.
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