Oregon Wage and Hour FAQs

Oregon Overtime Law, Minimum Wage Questions

Back to Oregon Overtime Law

Are terminated employees entitled to pay for accrued vacation time?

This depends on the employer’s written policies, employee agreements and past practices. Oregon wage and hour law states that all wages earned and unpaid are due upon termination. If the company’s vacation policy is vague or if the employer usually paid out accrued vacation days upon termination, the employee is entitled to pay for these days.

Are Oregon workers entitled to meal breaks?

Non-exempt employees who work six or more hours should receive at least a 30-minute meal period. Employees working 14 hours or more are entitled to additional meal breaks. Employees must be completely relieved of all duties during their meal period, except in rare circumstances.

Are employees entitled to rest breaks?

Oregon wage and hour law requires employers to provide a paid, 10-minute rest period for every four hours worked (or major part thereof).

What is the Oregon minimum wage?

The Oregon minimum wage is $8.40 per hour, effective Jan. 1, 2009.

Can Oregon employers count a worker’s tips against the minimum wage?

No. Oregon wage and hour law does not allow for tipped credits.

Does Oregon have a training wage?

No. Oregon wage and hour law states that all employees must receive at least the minimum wage during all stages of employment, including on-the-job training.

Are salaried employees entitled to overtime?

Salaried employees should receive overtime pay unless they meet one of the exemptions under overtime law.

Can employees be required to work overtime?

Yes. Employers have the authority to dictate a worker’s schedule and hours. They are within their legal right to fire or discipline employees who refuse to work overtime.

What is the maximum number of hours an employee can be made to work in a day?

For most adult workers, there is no limit on the amount of hours they can work in a day. In theory, an employer can require employees to work 24 hours a day and seven days a week as long as minimum wage and overtime laws are followed. Manufacturing employees, however, cannot work more than 13 hours in a 24-hour period. Minors are also limited in the number of hours they are allowed to work.

Can an employer offer “comp” time instead of overtime?

Only government agencies are allowed to offer “comp” time instead of overtime.