Rhode Island · updated 2026-10
Rhode Island 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.
Time and a half after 40 hours a week. Separate laws require time and a half for Sunday and holiday work in retail and certain other businesses. RI DLT and legislature sites were blocked, so this is from the DOL table.
Meal break
20 min
Yes: 20 minutes for shifts over 6 hours, usually unpaid. 20 minutes within a 6-hour shift; 30 minutes within an 8-hour shift (RIGL 28-3-14). Does not apply to licensed health care facilities or employers with fewer than 3 employees on the shift at the site.
Rest breaks
Not required
Rhode Island 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
$16.00
$16.00 an hour (since 2026-01-01). Rises to $17.00 on 2027-01-01 (RIGL 28-12-3). Tipped cash wage is reported as $3.89 (DLT page not loaded).
Rhode Island time card
| Day | Clock in | Break min | Clock out | Hours |
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Rhode Island pay and break questions
When does overtime start in Rhode Island?
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek. Time and a half after 40 hours a week. Separate laws require time and a half for Sunday and holiday work in retail and certain other businesses. RI DLT and legislature sites were blocked, so this is from the DOL table.
Are lunch breaks required in Rhode Island?
Yes: 20 minutes for shifts over 6 hours, usually unpaid. 20 minutes within a 6-hour shift; 30 minutes within an 8-hour shift (RIGL 28-3-14). Does not apply to licensed health care facilities or employers with fewer than 3 employees on the shift at the site.
Are rest breaks required in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?
$16.00 an hour (since 2026-01-01). Rises to $17.00 on 2027-01-01 (RIGL 28-12-3). Tipped cash wage is reported as $3.89 (DLT page not loaded).
Workers under 18 in Rhode Island
Teens have extra limits on hours and times of day, and may need a work permit. See Rhode Island teen work rules and which employers hire at 14 and 15.
Questions or a complaint? Contact the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.