Michigan Payroll Laws (2024 Guide For Employers)

How much do you know about Michigan payroll laws?

Straight off the bat, here are a few key points:

• The Michigan minimum wage is $10.30 per hour for most employees.
• Overtime pay must be at least 1.5 times the employee’s regular rate of pay.
• Rest periods or meal breaks are not required for employees 18 years of age or older.

Let’s dive into these key points in more detail.

Disclaimer: Despite our best efforts to provide you with accurate information on this topic at the time of writing, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the content at the time of reading. This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific guidance on Michigan payroll laws.

Michigan Employment Laws (Key Areas)

Michigan Minimum Wage

Michigan’s minimum wage is subject to the Workforce Opportunity Wage Act, which establishes the state minimum wage and outlines the requirements for paying employees.

As of the time of writing, the Michigan minimum wage is $10.30 per hour for most employees.

Tipped employees, such as restaurant servers, have a separate minimum wage rate of $3.84 per hour.

Michigan Overtime Pay

In accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Michigan employers are required to pay overtime to eligible employees who work more than 40 hours in a single workweek.

Overtime pay must be at least 1.5 times the employee’s regular rate of pay.

Some employees are exempt from overtime pay under federal law, such as those in certain executive, administrative, or professional roles.

It is important to review both state laws and the FLSA to determine if an employee is exempt from overtime pay.

Michigan Payday Requirements

Michigan’s Payment of Wages and Fringe Benefits Act regulates payday requirements for Michigan employers.

Under this act, employers must establish a regular payday and pay employees at least once every two weeks (biweekly) or twice per month.

If an employer fails to pay an employee on the designated payday, Michigan law allows the employee to recover their unpaid wages, as well as additional damages, by filing a complaint with the Wage and Hour Division.

Michigan Rest Periods & Meal Breaks

Under Michigan law, employers are not required to provide rest periods or meal breaks for employees 18 years of age or older.

However, the FLSA mandates that any break lasting less than 20 minutes must be paid.

For minors, Michigan youth employment laws require a 30-minute unpaid meal break for employees under 18 who work more than five consecutive hours.

Michigan Sick Leave, Vacation Time, & Time Off

The Michigan Paid Medical Leave Act mandates that eligible employees receive paid sick leave at a rate of one hour for every 35 hours worked, up to a maximum of 40 hours per calendar year.

Employers can choose to provide this leave on an accrual basis or as a lump sum at the beginning of the calendar year.

Michigan law does not require employers to provide paid vacation time, but if an employer chooses to offer vacation time as part of their employment package, they must follow the terms of their established policy or any applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Michigan employers must comply with federal laws regarding time off for military service, jury duty, and family or medical leave, as well as state laws regarding time off for voting and domestic violence leave.

Discrimination & Harassment

Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, height, weight, marital status, or disability.

Employers are required to provide equal employment opportunities and refrain from engaging in discriminatory practices during the hiring process, compensation, promotion, or termination of employees.

Employers are responsible for providing a workplace free from harassment and must take appropriate action to address any instances of harassment that are reported or observed.

Occupational Safety

Michigan’s Occupational Safety and Health Act (MIOSHA) ensures that employers provide a safe and healthy work environment for their employees.

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs enforces MIOSHA standards and investigates complaints related to workplace safety and health.

Employers are required to follow MIOSHA regulations and provide necessary training, personal protective equipment, and safety measures to protect employees from workplace hazards.

Michigan Payroll Laws (Closing Thoughts)

We hope this article has provided you with a broad overview of payroll and labor laws in Michigan.

When you have a solid understanding of how these laws and regulations work, you can navigate the workplace effectively and focus on staying productive.

Whether you are an employee or employer, it’s critical to know about Michigan payroll and employment laws.

Disclaimer: Not Legal Advice

This blog post provides a general overview of Michigan labor laws but does not constitute legal advice.

Laws and regulations are subject to change, and there may be additional requirements or exemptions that apply to specific situations.

Employers and employees should consult a qualified labor law attorney for advice on their specific circumstances.

If you have any questions about your rights or obligations as an employer or employee in Michigan, it is essential to consult with a labor law attorney to receive accurate information and guidance tailored to your situation.

By seeking professional legal advice, you can ensure that you are taking the appropriate steps to comply with labor laws and protect your rights.

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