Vermont Wage and Hour FAQs

Vermont Wage and Hour Questions

Back to Vermont Overtime Law

What is the minimum wage in Vermont?

Effective Jan. 1, 2009, the Vermont minimum wage is $8.06 per hour.

Can an employer pay a worker through direct deposit?

An employer can pay a worker through direct deposit as long as they have written authorization from the employee.

If a worker quits or is terminated, should they receive pay for unused vacation or sick leave?

Employers do not have to pay out vacation time or sick leave upon termination unless the company has a written policy or agreement to pay for this unused time.

If an employee works more than 40 hours a week, should they automatically receive overtime?

In general, employees should receive time-and-a-half compensation for hours worked in excess of 40 during a single workweek. However, there are exceptions to overtime law. Those working in retail, hotels, hospitals, nursing homes or service may not be eligible for overtime. Companies that are not subject to Vermont overtime law may have to comply with federal overtime laws.

Are workers entitled to time-and-a-half pay for working on a holiday?

Unless the employer has a written policy stating otherwise, employees are not entitled to premium pay for working holidays.

Can my employer deduct from my wages for cash shortages or damages?

Under Vermont wage and hour law, employers are not allowed to make deductions for cash shortages or damages.

Can an employer force an employee to work overtime? Can an employee be forced to work eight days in a row without a day off?

Vermont wage and hour law does not limit the amount of hours an employee can work.

Are workers entitled to meal periods or rest breaks?

Vermont wage and hour law allows “reasonable opportunities” for eating and restroom breaks. However, the law does not assign a time allotment for a “reasonable opportunity.” Rest breaks and meal periods are at the discretion of the employer or employee agreement, such as a union contract. There is no limit on the amount of hours a person can work without a rest break. Federal wage and hour law states that if an employer allows a meal period, it must be compensated if it last less than 30 minutes.