Overtime Pay in Wisconsin
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Wisconsin follows federal overtime rules with no state enhancement; 1.5× pay applies to hours over 40 weekly.
How Wisconsin treats Overtime Pay
Wisconsin has no independent state overtime law and relies entirely on federal Fair Labor Standards Act requirements. Employers must pay overtime at 1.5 times the regular rate for all hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. Federal exemptions for certain salaried employees, managers, and professionals apply in Wisconsin. The state does not require daily overtime, weekend premiums, or compensation beyond the federal 40-hour threshold.
The general definition of Overtime Pay
Compensation at an increased rate for hours worked beyond the standard workweek, typically 1.5 times the regular wage.
Overtime pay is extra compensation that employers must provide when employees work more than a certain number of hours per week, usually 40 hours. Under federal law, overtime must be paid at one and a half times the employee's regular hourly rate (called "time and a half"). Some states require overtime for hours over 8 in a single day or for the seventh consecutive day worked. Certain employees, like managers and salaried professionals, may be exempt from overtime requirements. Employers who fail to pay overtime owe back wages plus penalties.
Read the full Overtime Pay entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Wisconsin.