Restaurant Labor Laws by State (2026)
Plain-English guides to the wage, tip, overtime, break, and minor-employment rules that restaurant managers deal with every day. Pick your state or city to see the 2026 figures and what they mean for your payroll and scheduling.
ArizonaMin wage: $15.15/hr (Flagstaff $18.35; Tucson $15.45)CaliforniaMin wage: $16.90/hr statewide ($20.00/hr for covered fast-food chains)FloridaMin wage: $14.00/hr (rising to $15.00 on Sept 30, 2026)IllinoisMin wage: $15.00/hr state ($17.05 Chicago from July 1, 2026)MarylandMin wage: $15.00/hr state (Montgomery County up to $18.00)NevadaMin wage: $12.00/hr (single rate)New JerseyMin wage: $15.92/hr (most employers)New YorkMin wage: $17.00/hr (NYC, Long Island, Westchester); $16.00/hr (rest of state)North CarolinaMin wage: $7.25/hrPennsylvaniaMin wage: $7.25/hrSeattleMin wage: $21.30/hr Seattle (Washington State: $17.13/hr)TexasMin wage: $7.25/hrVirginiaMin wage: $12.77/hr
Run your floor, not a spreadsheet
Sideworks helps restaurant managers schedule staff within budget, watch labor cost in real time, and keep opening and closing tasks on record — so wage, break, and overtime rules are easier to honor across every shift.
Not legal advice. These guides are general summaries for restaurant operators, last reviewed in June 2026. Wage rates, break rules, and minor-employment laws change frequently and vary by city, county, and employer size. Always confirm current requirements with the official state or local labor agency or a qualified employment attorney before making payroll decisions.