labor lawAdivision of labor law center

I know that the minimum wage law differs throughout each of the states and I have always found it interesting to investigate what each state does to help the lowest-paid workers get by. The state of Rhode Island, I found, is very generous with the minimum wage law. This year, the minimum wage for all workers aged 16 years and older is $7.10. By January 1, 2007, the minimum wage will increase by 30 cents and hour to $7.40. That’s certainly a significant increase.

However, there are exceptions to the minimum wage law for Rhode Island residents. There exceptions are as follows:

1.    Full time students under the age of 19 that work in non-profit organizations, such as a non-profit religious, educational, librarial or community service organization receive only $6.39 per hour for their work. That’s 90% of the applicable minimum wage. Next year, that rate will increase by 30 cents as well to $6.66, which will also still be 90% of the applicable minimum.

2.    14 and 15 year olds who do not work more than 24 hours in a week only need to make $5.325 per hour. That’s only 75% of the applicable minimum. Next year, that rate will increase to $5.55 per hour, which is still only 75% of the minimum. However, if a 14 or 15 year old works more than 24 hours in a week, the higher minimum wage must be paid for him or her.

3.    Finally, workers employed in domestic service in a private home, such as a housekeeper or baby sitter, or workers employed in Federal service, voluntary service in educational, charitable, religious or nonprofit organizations do not have to receive the minimum wage compensation. Some of these occupations also include shoe shine persons, caddies on golf courses, ushers in theaters and newspaper carriers.

Minimum wage laws for Rhode Island are detialed on the Rhode Island Complete Labor Law poster currently reflecting the latest changes.

Last 10 posts by Nicole

• Puerto Rico (PR) Posting Requirements for Employer - October 4th, 2006
• Federal Posting Requirements for Employer - October 4th, 2006
• Virgin Islands (VI) Posting Requirements for Employer - October 4th, 2006
• OSHA Regulations on CPR - September 28th, 2006
• OSHA Regulation - September 28th, 2006
• History of Racial Discrimination - September 28th, 2006
• Discrimination in the Work Place - September 28th, 2006
• Discrimination Complaint Process - September 28th, 2006
• Discrimination Against Women - September 28th, 2006
• Florida Discrimination Law - September 28th, 2006