GAGeorgia pay rules
Minimum wage $7.25. Overtime after 40 hours in a week. If you are fired, your last check is due by the next regular payday (no state deadline).
Georgia minimum wage$7.25 now
Georgia overtime lawsWeekly overtime after 40 hours
Georgia final paycheck lawFired: no state deadline
Georgia PTO payout lawDepends on written policy
| Rule | Georgia | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage | $7.25 an hour since July 24, 2009. No change planned. The state law rate is $5.15 for employers of 6 or more, but almost every employer is covered by federal law and must pay $7.25. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
| Cash pay if you get tips | At least $2.13 an hour. Tips may make up the rest, up to $5.12. Federal rule. The state law excludes tipped employees. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
| Overtime | Federal rule only: 1.5x after 40 hours in a work week. Georgia has no state overtime law. | Federal wage law, 29 U.S.C. 207checked October 29, 2026 |
| Last check if fired | No state deadline. Next regular payday under the federal baseline | Federal wage lawchecked October 29, 2026 |
| Last check if you quit | No state deadline. Next regular payday | Federal wage lawchecked October 29, 2026 |
| If the last check is late | No state penalty. Federal wage complaints can recover unpaid wages plus an equal amount in an extra penalty payment. | Federal wage lawchecked October 29, 2026 |
| Unused vacation when you leave | Depends on your employer's written policy. No statute. Payout only if the employer's written policy or contract provides it. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
| Meal break | No state meal period requirement for adults. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
| Rest break | No state rest period requirement. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
These rules cover the whole state. Cities and industries with their own rules are noted in the table. Checked October 29, 2026. Next check: January 1, 2027.