labor lawAdivision of labor law center

On July 24, 2008, when the federal minimum wage increases, the Idaho minimum wage will go up, as well. Section 44-1502 of the Idaho Code guarantees that the majority of Idaho employees are paid the state minimum wage.

 

The Idaho minimum wage, as a result of House Bill 184, is tied to the federal minimum wage. The bill passed in 2006, and went into effect on July 24, 2007. When the federal minimum wage goes up on July 24, 2008, the Idaho minimum wage will increase, too, from $5.85 per hour to $6.55 per hour.

 

The increase, however, does not apply to the wage for tipped employees in Idaho. House Bill 184 froze wages for tipped workers at $3.35 per hour. This wage will not increase when the minimum increases. Idaho, however, does require wages and tips for a tipped worker to at least equal the state minimum. That means that currently a tipped worker must earn $2.50 per hour in tips, or the employer must make up the difference. When the federal and state minimums increase in July, 2008, tipped employees will need to earn $3.20 per hour in tips.

 

Idaho state law also provides an exception in wages for workers under the age of 20. During the first 90 days of employment, companies may pay these workers an “opportunity wage” of $4.25 per hour.

 

According to the Idaho Department of Labor, state law also mandates that a terminated worker must receive his or her final wages within 10 days, or on the next regularly scheduled payday, whichever comes sooner. The worker has the option to submit a written request to be paid earlier. When this occurs, the employer must pay the worker his or her final paycheck within 48 hours.

 

The Wage and Hour Section of the Idaho Department of Labor is responsible for enforcing Idaho state minimum wage and wage payment laws. Since Idaho does not have a state law pertaining to overtime, state employers follow the federal standard for overtime. Any time worked beyond 40 hours in one payroll week is paid at 1.5 times the standard hourly rate.

 

All Idaho companies must display a current minimum wage poster where it is visible to all employees.

 

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