Rhode Island Wage and Hour Law

Minimum Wage Law in Rhode Island

The minimum wage in Rhode Island is $7.40 per hour, effective Jan. 1, 2007. Workers between the ages of 14 and 15 who work 24 hours or less are exempt from this minimum wage law. They may be paid 75% of the current Rhode Island minimum wage or $5.55 per hour. Minors working more than 24 hours must be paid at least the Rhode Island minimum wage.

Overtime Law in Rhode Island

Rhode Island overtime law states that employees should receive time-and-a-half compensation when working more than 40 hours a week. Like federal overtime laws, certain employees are exempt from this rule. For more information on Rhode Island overtime law, visit the RI Dept. of Labor and Training.

Rest Periods and Meal Breaks

An employee working a six-hour shift must receive a 20-minute meal break; an employee working an eight-hour shift must receive a 30-minute meal break. This does not apply to healthcare facilities or businesses with less than three workers on site during a shift.

Employer Recordkeeping Requirements

Employers must keep daily and weekly time records for each employee. Employers are obligated to keep these time records for all their employees, including salaried workers. Time records and payroll records must be retained for a minimum of three years.

On each payday, Rhode Island employers must provide their employees with a statement detailing the number of hours worked during the pay period, a record of deductions and the reasoning behind any deductions.

For more information, view the Rhode Island Department of Labor Website