Iowa · updated 2026-10
Iowa Overtime & Break Laws
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek.
Overtime
40h / week
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek.
Iowa has no state overtime law; overtime falls under the federal FLSA (1.5x after 40 hours/week).
Federal FLSA rule. source
Meal break
Not required
No state law requires a meal break for adult employees in Iowa; it's up to the employer. If a break is under 20 minutes, federal law treats it as paid work time.
Rest breaks
Not required
Iowa law doesn't require rest breaks for adults. Short breaks an employer does give (5–20 minutes) must be paid under federal rules.
Minimum wage
$7.25
$7.25 an hour (since 2008-01-01). Applies generally to employers grossing $300,000+/yr. Tipped cash wage $4.35; $6.35 initial wage for first 90 days. Effective date not stated on the official poster.
Iowa time card
| Day | Clock in | Break min | Clock out | Hours |
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Iowa pay and break questions
When does overtime start in Iowa?
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek. Iowa has no separate state overtime law, so the federal FLSA rule applies. Iowa has no state overtime law; overtime falls under the federal FLSA (1.5x after 40 hours/week).
Are lunch breaks required in Iowa?
No state law requires a meal break for adult employees in Iowa; it's up to the employer. If a break is under 20 minutes, federal law treats it as paid work time.
Are rest breaks required in Iowa?
Iowa law doesn't require rest breaks for adults. Short breaks an employer does give (5–20 minutes) must be paid under federal rules.
What is the minimum wage in Iowa?
$7.25 an hour (since 2008-01-01). Applies generally to employers grossing $300,000+/yr. Tipped cash wage $4.35; $6.35 initial wage for first 90 days. Effective date not stated on the official poster.
Workers under 18 in Iowa
Teens have extra limits on hours and times of day, and may need a work permit. See Iowa teen work rules and which employers hire at 14 and 15.
Questions or a complaint? Contact the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing, Wage and Child Labor Unit.