IAIowa 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.
Iowa minimum wage$7.25 now
Iowa overtime lawsWeekly overtime after 40 hours
Iowa final paycheck lawFired: next regular payday
Iowa PTO payout lawDepends on written policy
| Rule | Iowa | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage | $7.25 an hour since July 24, 2009. No change planned. Statewide federal rate. Cities may not set their own. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
| Cash pay if you get tips | At least $4.35 an hour. Tips may make up the rest, up to $2.90. Tip credit is limited to 40% of the minimum wage. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
| Overtime | Federal rule only: 1.5x after 40 hours in a work week. Iowa has no state overtime law. | Federal wage law, 29 U.S.C. 207checked October 29, 2026 |
| Last check if fired | Next regular payday | Iowa Code 91A.4, 91A.8checked October 29, 2026 |
| Last check if you quit | Next regular payday | Iowa Code 91A.4, 91A.8checked October 29, 2026 |
| If the last check is late | Wage Payment Collection Law: an extra penalty payment of 5% a day up to the amount owed, plus fees, if you file a wage complaint. | Iowa Code 91A.4, 91A.8checked October 29, 2026 |
| Unused vacation when you leave | Depends on your employer's written policy. The employer's written policy or contract governs payout of unused vacation. | 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.