Indiana Employment Law: Wages, Final Pay, Breaks and Your Rights at Work
Indiana employment law: minimum wage, overtime, breaks, final paycheck deadlines, PTO payout, sick leave, at-will exceptions and where to file a wage claim.
Quick answers for Indiana
- Minimum wage
- $7.25 per hour, the same as the federal rate, in effect since July 24, 2009. Most Indiana employers are covered by the federal FLSA; employers not covered by federal law may still be covered by the Indiana Minimum Wage Law. Indiana Minimum Wage Law (IC 22-2-2); Indiana Department of Labor minimum wage poster
- Final paycheck if fired or laid off
- On or before the next regularly scheduled payday on which the employee would have been paid if still employed. Indiana Department of Labor FAQ
- Meal and rest breaks
- Generally no requirement for adults. Breaks are required only for employees under 18. Indiana Department of Labor FAQ
- Unused vacation / PTO payout
- Generally yes. Accrued vacation pay is treated as compensation, and an employee may be entitled to a pro rata share of accrued vacation at termination. Indiana Department of Labor FAQ
Last verified: 2026-10-26
Pay
| Minimum wage | $7.25 per hour, the same as the federal rate, in effect since July 24, 2009. Most Indiana employers are covered by the federal FLSA; employers not covered by federal law may still be covered by the Indiana Minimum Wage Law. Employees under 20 may be paid $4.25 per hour for their first 90 consecutive days. |
|---|---|
| Tipped minimum wage | Employers that claim a tip credit must pay tipped employees at least $2.13 per hour. If tips plus wages do not reach the minimum wage, the employer must make up the difference. |
| Overtime | Time-and-a-half after 40 hours in a workweek, with many exceptions. No daily overtime rule. |
| How often you must be paid | At least semi-monthly or bi-weekly. |
| Pay stubs | Employers covered by the Indiana Minimum Wage Law must give each employee a statement of hours worked, wages paid, and a list of deductions. |
Breaks and leave
| Meal and rest breaks | Generally no requirement for adults. Breaks are required only for employees under 18. Source: Indiana Department of Labor FAQ |
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Leaving a job
| Final paycheck if fired or laid off | On or before the next regularly scheduled payday on which the employee would have been paid if still employed. Source: Indiana Department of Labor FAQ |
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| Final paycheck if you quit | On or before the next regularly scheduled payday on which the employee would have been paid if still employed. Source: Indiana Department of Labor FAQ |
| Unused vacation / PTO payout | Generally yes. Accrued vacation pay is treated as compensation, and an employee may be entitled to a pro rata share of accrued vacation at termination. If a company policy or employment contract sets conditions for payout, those conditions must be met. Source: Indiana Department of Labor FAQ |
| Unemployment benefits | File for unemployment with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) online; identity verification is through ID.me. A claimant handbook and claim guide are available on the DWD site. |
Firing, retaliation and discrimination
| At-will employment and exceptions | Indiana is an at-will state. Without a collective bargaining agreement or contract saying otherwise, employers may hire, fire, lay off or discipline at their discretion, but may not discriminate based on age, sex, race, religion, national origin or disability. Source: Indiana Department of Labor FAQ |
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| Whistleblower and retaliation protection | The Indiana Department of Labor's Whistleblower Protection Unit handles complaints from employees who were retaliated against for raising workplace health or safety concerns (call 317-232-2655). Source: Indiana Department of Labor FAQ |
| Job discrimination complaints | Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC). An employment discrimination complaint must be filed within 180 days of the discriminatory act. Complaints can be filed online or by calling 317-232-2600. |
Where to get help in Indiana
Employment Law FAQ
What is the minimum wage in Indiana?
$7.25 per hour, the same as the federal rate, in effect since July 24, 2009. Most Indiana employers are covered by the federal FLSA; employers not covered by federal law may still be covered by the Indiana Minimum Wage Law. Employees under 20 may be paid $4.25 per hour for their first 90 consecutive days.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Indiana?
Employers that claim a tip credit must pay tipped employees at least $2.13 per hour. If tips plus wages do not reach the minimum wage, the employer must make up the difference.
What are the overtime rules in Indiana?
Time-and-a-half after 40 hours in a workweek, with many exceptions. No daily overtime rule.
Are breaks required by law in Indiana?
Generally no requirement for adults. Breaks are required only for employees under 18.
When do I get my final paycheck if I'm fired in Indiana?
On or before the next regularly scheduled payday on which the employee would have been paid if still employed.
When do I get my final paycheck if I quit in Indiana?
On or before the next regularly scheduled payday on which the employee would have been paid if still employed.
Does an employer have to pay out unused PTO in Indiana?
Generally yes. Accrued vacation pay is treated as compensation, and an employee may be entitled to a pro rata share of accrued vacation at termination. If a company policy or employment contract sets conditions for payout, those conditions must be met.
How often must employees be paid in Indiana?
At least semi-monthly or bi-weekly.
Do employers have to give pay stubs in Indiana?
Employers covered by the Indiana Minimum Wage Law must give each employee a statement of hours worked, wages paid, and a list of deductions.
Is Indiana an at-will employment state?
Indiana is an at-will state. Without a collective bargaining agreement or contract saying otherwise, employers may hire, fire, lay off or discipline at their discretion, but may not discriminate based on age, sex, race, religion, national origin or disability.
Is it illegal to fire someone for reporting a violation in Indiana?
The Indiana Department of Labor's Whistleblower Protection Unit handles complaints from employees who were retaliated against for raising workplace health or safety concerns (call 317-232-2655).
Where do I file a job discrimination complaint in Indiana?
Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC). An employment discrimination complaint must be filed within 180 days of the discriminatory act. Complaints can be filed online or by calling 317-232-2600.
How do I apply for unemployment in Indiana?
File for unemployment with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) online; identity verification is through ID.me. A claimant handbook and claim guide are available on the DWD site.
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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.