Ohio Wage and Hour Laws: What You Need to Know

As an employee in Ohio, it’s important to understand the state’s wage and hour laws to ensure that you are receiving fair pay for your work. If you feel that you are being treated unfairly in the workplace, be sure to contact a wage and hour lawyer for help. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key aspects of Ohio’s wage and hour laws, including minimum wage, overtime, and record-keeping requirements. 

Minimum Wage in Ohio

Ohio’s minimum wage is set to increase each year based on inflation. In 2023, the minimum wage is $10.10 per hour for non-tipped employees and $5.05 per hour for tipped employees, an increase from 2022 rates of $9.30 and $4.65, respectively

Overtime Pay in Ohio

In Ohio, non-exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay of 1.5 times their regular rate of pay for any hours worked over 40 in a workweek. There are some exemptions to this rule, including employees who work in certain administrative, executive, or professional roles. These exemptions are based on the employee’s salary and job duties, and not on job title alone.

Record-Keeping Requirements in Ohio

Ohio employers are required to keep records of their employees’ hours worked and wages paid for at least three years. This includes records of the employee’s name, address, and social security number, as well as the hours worked each day and the total hours worked each workweek. These records must be made available to employees upon request.

Penalties for Violating Ohio Wage and Hour Laws

If an employer violates Ohio’s wage and hour laws, they may be subject to penalties and fines. For example, if an employer fails to pay an employee the minimum wage, they may be required to pay the employee the difference between the wages they were paid and the minimum wage, plus an additional amount of liquidated damages. Additionally, employers may be required to pay a penalty of up to $1,000 per violation.

How to Protect Your Rights Under Ohio Wage and Hour Laws

If you believe that your employer has violated Ohio’s wage and hour laws, it’s important to take action to protect your rights. Here are a few steps you can take:

• Keep track of your hours worked and wages earned, and make sure that they are being accurately recorded by your employer.
• If you notice any discrepancies in your pay or hours worked, bring them to the attention of your employer as soon as possible.
• If your employer refuses to address the issue, consider filing a complaint with the Ohio Department of Commerce, Wage and Hour Bureau.
• Consider seeking the advice of an experienced employment law attorney, who can help you understand your rights and options for seeking compensation.

Get Legal Help for Your Wage And Hour Case in Cleveland, OH

Ohio’s wage and hour laws are designed to protect employees from unfair treatment by their employers. By understanding these laws and taking steps to protect your rights, you can ensure that you are receiving fair pay for your work. If you believe that your employer has violated Ohio’s wage and hour laws, don’t hesitate to take action to protect your rights by contacting Paulozzi LPA’s legal experts.