Minimum Wage $7.25 PER HOUR
Utah's minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. The rate matches the federal minimum wage and does not automatically increase each year.
Tipped employees may be paid a direct cash wage of at least $2.13 per hour, but tips must bring the worker's total pay to at least $7.25 per hour. If tips do not cover the difference, the employer must make up the shortfall.
Overtime Laws FLSA ONLY
Utah does not have a separate state overtime law. Most overtime claims are handled under the federal FLSA, which requires one and a half times the regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
At the $7.25 minimum wage, the overtime rate is $10.88 per hour. Overtime is calculated by workweek, not by day. Bonuses, commissions, day rates, piece rates, and other pay may need to be included when calculating the regular rate.
Meal & Rest Breaks MINOR BREAK RULES
Utah does not generally require meal or rest breaks for adult employees. Break rights may still come from an employment agreement, collective bargaining agreement, or workplace policy.
Utah does have break rules for minors. Employees under 18 must receive at least a 30-minute meal period within the first five hours of the workday. They must also receive a 10-minute rest break for each four-hour period worked and cannot work more than three consecutive hours without a 10-minute break.
Final Paycheck 24 HOURS
Utah has one of the faster final-paycheck rules. When an employer separates an employee from payroll, unpaid wages are due immediately and generally must be paid within 24 hours of separation.
When an employee resigns without a written contract for a definite period, earned wages generally become due on the next regular payday. Special rules may apply to certain commission arrangements and public employees.
Utah Payment of Wages Act WAGE PAYMENT
The Utah Payment of Wages Act covers paydays, final paychecks, electronic payroll deposits, lawful deductions, wage disputes, payroll records, and retaliation for filing a wage complaint.
Utah requires employers to pay employees for all hours worked, including required meetings or trainings, time spent on the employer's premises ready for work, and established rest or break periods. Meal periods of 30 minutes or more may be unpaid only when the employee is relieved of all responsibilities.
Filing a Claim 1 YEAR / 2 YEARS*
Utah workers may file certain unpaid wage claims with the Utah Labor Commission's Wage Claim Unit. The Labor Commission's wage-claim form states that the Wage Claim Unit can accept claims only for wages earned within the last year from the date the claim is filed.
Federal FLSA minimum wage and overtime claims generally have a two-year limitations period, extended to three years for willful violations. Utah has no state overtime law, so an overtime-only claim is usually handled through the U.S. Department of Labor or court under the FLSA.
Employee Misclassification COMMON VIOLATION
Some Utah employers label workers as independent contractors or exempt employees to avoid paying overtime, payroll taxes, or other wage obligations. A job title, contract, 1099 form, or salary does not automatically decide whether wage protections apply.
The actual working relationship, economic realities, and day-to-day duties matter. Workers who were wrongly classified may be able to recover unpaid overtime and other wages under federal or state law, depending on the claim.
This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship with Josephson Dunlap LLP. Wage and hour laws vary by state, and the application of these laws depends on the specific facts of each situation. The figures and information cited above are current as of the date of publication and are subject to change. Prior results in other matters do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future matter. If you believe your wages were not paid correctly, consult a qualified, licensed employment attorney.
Think You May Be Owed Back Wages?
Josephson Dunlap reviews wage claims for Utah workers at no cost. There is no fee unless wages are recovered. A case manager will go through your situation and tell you where you stand.