Minnesota — home to over 5.8 million residents — is a thriving state with a strong workforce. As of March 2025, the labor force increased by 2,710 people, totaling 3,149,801 active participants. This growth emphasizes the importance of understanding the rules and protections for employees, employers, and families.
What are the state’s regulations on age, workplace safety, and wages? In this article, we break down everything you need to know about work restrictions in Minnesota and the role of a workplace attorney in upholding your rights.
Work Restrictions in Minnesota
In Minnesota, the minimum employment age is 14. However, children can generally work as actors, actresses, or models. Kids who are at least 11 years old may work as newspaper carriers and referees in athletic programs, and 12-year-olds may take on agricultural work. These exceptions allow minors to gain experience without compromising safety and development.
To safeguard minors’ health and education, Minnesota also sets strict limits on work hours. Those under age 16 cannot work before 7:00 AM or after 9:00 PM unless they are newspaper carriers or during school hours, unless they have an employment certificate. Work hours are limited to 40 hours per week and no more than eight hours a day unless one is in agriculture.
Federal laws further limit school-year work:
- No later than 7:00 PM
- No more than three hours per day
- A maximum of 18 hours per week
Minors aged 16 to 17 may not work after 11:00 PM on nights before a school day or before 5:00 AM on school days. With parental consent, these limits can be slightly expanded to 11:30 PM and 4:30 AM.
Minnesota Employee Rights
Minnesota offers robust protections to ensure fair treatment to all employees. Here are the key rights you should know.
Wages and Compensation
Employees must receive at least Minnesota’s minimum wage for all hours worked, including training and prep time, opening and closing duties, and required meetings. Deductions for breakages, shortages, tools, or uniforms are not allowed unless legally permitted.
Overtime Pay
If eligible under state or federal law, employees must be paid 1.5 times their regular wage for any overtime hours worked.
Earnings Statement and Pay Transparency
With every paycheck, your employer must provide an itemized earnings statement, including the following:
- Your name and pay rate
- Hours worked
- Gross and net earnings
- Deductions
- Pay period end date
- Employer’s legal name
- Sick and safe time used and remaining
Meal and Rest Breaks
Rest breaks are not required, but workers must be able to access a restroom at least once every four hours. Those working eight or more consecutive hours should have a meal break.
Earned Sick and Safe Time
Minnesota law mandates that employees get paid leave for personal illness or injury, caring for a sick family member, or seeking assistance or relocation due to domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking.
Freedom From Discrimination
Every workplace must be free from racial discrimination, sexual harassment, and religious discrimination.
Safe Workplace and Workers’ Compensation
Employees have the right to a safe work environment. In case of unsafe conditions and accidents, Minnesota law demands workers’ compensation benefits to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs.
Minnesota Employer Responsibilities
Minnesota employers have a legal and ethical duty to comply with all applicable labor laws. Their responsibilities include the following:
- Adhering to work restrictions in Minnesota
- Paying at least minimum wage for all hours worked
- Paying overtime where required
- Not making illegal deductions from wages
- Providing earnings statements with all relevant details
- Ensuring employee access to breaks
- Granting earned sick and safe time and tracking it accurately
- Preventing workplace discrimination and promoting an inclusive, respectful work environment
- Maintaining a safe workplace, promptly addressing hazards, and cooperating with OSHA
- Offering workers’ compensation benefits in the event of an on-the-job injury
Failure to comply can damage an employer’s reputation and employee trust. Legal claims, fines, or lawsuits with the help of a workplace attorney in Minnesota are also possible.
The Role of a Workplace Attorney in Minnesota
Employees who believe they have experienced unfair workplace practices can take legal action to defend their rights. A workplace attorney in Minnesota is a legal professional specializing in employment law and assists workers with issues such as unpaid wages or overtime, wrongful termination, and harassment.
Regarding unsafe working conditions, denial of workers’ compensation, and retaliation for whistleblowing, a work injury law firm in Minnesota can guide those seeking justice. Lawyers handle the legal aspects of cases, from gathering evidence and filing claims to negotiating settlements. If the case goes to court, they will provide legal representation.
At Osterbauer Law Firm, we proudly support injured and mistreated workers throughout the Twin Cities Metro and Greater Minnesota. As a work injury law firm in Minnesota, we have an experienced team ready to fight for and with you until you get the outcome you deserve. From the first meeting to the final resolution, we work as your advocates, ensuring your voice is heard.
Your rights matter, and we are here to protect them. Call Osterbauer Law Firm at (612) 334-3434 or contact us online for a free consultation.
