The Iowa Labor Law Guide

Minimum wage is the lowest hourly rate an employer can legally pay. The federal rate sets a floor, and states, cities, and regions can adopt their own.

Iowa sets its minimum wage by statute to match the federal rate, so it stays at $7.25 per hour for most employees.

Local cities and counties generally do not set higher rates because of state preemption laws.

Tipped minimum wage is the lowest hourly cash wage for employees who earn a big share of their pay through tips.

Tips plus the $4.35 cash wage must equal at least the full minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. If they do not, the employer must pay the difference.

Iowa has no state overtime law. Employers follow the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which requires non-exempt employees to receive time and a half (1.5x) their regular rate for every hour worked over 40 in a workweek.

Adults (16+)

Iowa has no law requiring an employer to provide a meal period or breaks to employees 16 or older.

The FLSA does not require breaks. If an employer chooses to provide them:

• Rest breaks (5 to 20 minutes) must be paid.
• Meal periods (30 minutes or more) may be unpaid if the employee is completely relieved of all duties.

Minors (under 16)

Minors under 16 who work 5 or more consecutive hours must be granted a meal period of at least 30 minutes.

Vacation leave

Iowa does not require private employers to provide paid or unpaid vacation leave. Employers may offer it based on company policy.

Paid sick leave

Iowa does not require private employers to provide paid or unpaid sick leave. Eligible employers must still comply with the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for unpaid, job-protected leave.

Holidays

Iowa state law does not require private employers to provide paid or unpaid holiday leave.

Important update

Iowa no longer requires child labor work permits as of July 1, 2023 (Senate File 542).

Minors ages 14-15

State and federal rules conflict here. Iowa law allows 14- and 15-year-olds to work until 9:00 PM during the school year, but federal law (FLSA) restricts them to 7:00 PM. Most employers are covered by the FLSA and must follow the stricter federal standard to avoid fines.

Federal standard (stricter):

• School days: max 3 hours per day.
• School weeks: max 18 hours per week.
• Non-school days: max 8 hours per day.
• Non-school weeks: max 40 hours per week.
• Time: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (extended to 9:00 PM from June 1 through Labor Day).

Breaks: must receive a 30-minute break if working 5 or more hours.

Minors ages 16-17

• Hours: under new Iowa law, 16- and 17-year-olds may generally work the same hours as adults.
• Restrictions: prohibited from working in hazardous occupations (for example, excavation, roofing) unless part of a specific state-approved work-based learning program.