Question 1

What is the minimum wage in Idaho?

Accepted Answer

$7.25 per hour. By law, Idaho's minimum wage matches and tracks the federal minimum wage. Workers under 20 may be paid $4.25 per hour during their first 90 consecutive days on the job.

Question 2

What is the tipped minimum wage in Idaho?

Accepted Answer

Tipped employees must be paid at least $3.35 per hour in direct wages, and tips actually received must bring total pay up to at least $7.25 per hour, or the employer must make up the difference. In a dispute, the employer must prove the tips received. Tips shared through a tip pool are not counted as tips received by the employee who gave them up.

Question 3

What are the overtime rules in Idaho?

Accepted Answer

Follows the federal FLSA: time-and-a-half after 40 hours in a workweek for covered, non-exempt employees.

Question 4

Are breaks required by law in Idaho?

Accepted Answer

No state requirement for adults.

Question 5

When do I get my final paycheck if I'm fired in Idaho?

Accepted Answer

By the next regularly scheduled payday or within 10 days (excluding weekends and holidays), whichever comes first. If the employee asks in writing for earlier payment, wages are due within 48 hours of the request (excluding weekends and holidays). This applies to layoffs and firings.

Question 6

When do I get my final paycheck if I quit in Idaho?

Accepted Answer

Same rule as for firing: by the next regularly scheduled payday or within 10 days (excluding weekends and holidays), whichever comes first, or within 48 hours of a written request for earlier payment.

Question 7

How often must employees be paid in Idaho?

Accepted Answer

At least once a month on regular paydays set in advance. The pay period may end no more than 15 days before payday.

Question 8

Where do I file a job discrimination complaint in Idaho?

Accepted Answer

Idaho Human Rights Commission. The Idaho Human Rights Act covers employers with 5 or more employees (for each working day in 20 or more weeks in the current or prior year). A complaint must be filed within one year of the discriminatory act.

Question 9

Are non-compete agreements enforceable in Idaho?

Accepted Answer

Enforceable only against 'key employees' and key independent contractors, in writing, and only if reasonable in duration, geographic area and type of work and no broader than needed to protect the employer's legitimate business interests. A restriction of 18 months or less is presumed reasonable; more than 18 months requires extra consideration beyond the job itself.

Question 10

How do I apply for unemployment in Idaho?

Accepted Answer

Apply with the Idaho Department of Labor online through the Claimant Portal, which is also used to manage your unemployment benefits account. Unemployment insurance navigators can help with filing.

Minimum wage	$7.25 per hour. By law, Idaho's minimum wage matches and tracks the federal minimum wage. Workers under 20 may be paid $4.25 per hour during their first 90 consecutive days on the job. Source: Idaho Code § 44-1502(1), (3)
Tipped minimum wage	Tipped employees must be paid at least $3.35 per hour in direct wages, and tips actually received must bring total pay up to at least $7.25 per hour, or the employer must make up the difference. In a dispute, the employer must prove the tips received. Tips shared through a tip pool are not counted as tips received by the employee who gave them up. Source: Idaho Code § 44-1502(2)
Overtime	Follows the federal FLSA: time-and-a-half after 40 hours in a workweek for covered, non-exempt employees. Source: Federal Fair Labor Standards Act
How often you must be paid	At least once a month on regular paydays set in advance. The pay period may end no more than 15 days before payday. Source: Idaho Code § 45-608

Final paycheck if fired or laid off	By the next regularly scheduled payday or within 10 days (excluding weekends and holidays), whichever comes first. If the employee asks in writing for earlier payment, wages are due within 48 hours of the request (excluding weekends and holidays). This applies to layoffs and firings. Source: Idaho Code § 45-606(1)
Final paycheck if you quit	Same rule as for firing: by the next regularly scheduled payday or within 10 days (excluding weekends and holidays), whichever comes first, or within 48 hours of a written request for earlier payment. Source: Idaho Code § 45-606(1)
Unemployment benefits	Apply with the Idaho Department of Labor online through the Claimant Portal, which is also used to manage your unemployment benefits account. Unemployment insurance navigators can help with filing. Source: Idaho Department of Labor, Unemployment Benefits

Idaho Employment Law: Wages, Final Pay, Breaks and Your Rights at Work

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