Vermont · updated 2026-10
Vermont 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.
21 V.S.A. 384(b): 1.5x after 40/week for employers of 2+ employees, but exempts retail/service establishments, hotels, motels, restaurants, seasonal amusement/recreation, hospitals/nursing homes and others; FLSA overtime may still apply to those employees.
Meal break
null min
Yes: null minutes. Employers must give 'reasonable opportunity' to eat and use toilet facilities (21 V.S.A. 304); no fixed length or timing. Meal periods under 30 minutes or not duty-free are paid under federal rules.
Rest breaks
null min paid
Yes: a paid null-minute rest break. Same 'reasonable opportunities' rule (no set minutes); short rest breaks count as paid hours worked under federal rules.
Minimum wage
$14.42
$14.42 an hour (since 2026-01-01). Applies to employers of 2+ employees; CPI-adjusted each Jan 1. Tipped (service) employees $7.21 cash wage.
Vermont time card
| Day | Clock in | Break min | Clock out | Hours |
|---|
Vermont pay and break questions
When does overtime start in Vermont?
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek. 21 V.S.A. 384(b): 1.5x after 40/week for employers of 2+ employees, but exempts retail/service establishments, hotels, motels, restaurants, seasonal amusement/recreation, hospitals/nursing homes and others; FLSA overtime may still apply to those employees.
Are lunch breaks required in Vermont?
Yes: null minutes. Employers must give 'reasonable opportunity' to eat and use toilet facilities (21 V.S.A. 304); no fixed length or timing. Meal periods under 30 minutes or not duty-free are paid under federal rules.
Are rest breaks required in Vermont?
Yes: a paid null-minute rest break. Same 'reasonable opportunities' rule (no set minutes); short rest breaks count as paid hours worked under federal rules.
What is the minimum wage in Vermont?
$14.42 an hour (since 2026-01-01). Applies to employers of 2+ employees; CPI-adjusted each Jan 1. Tipped (service) employees $7.21 cash wage.
Workers under 18 in Vermont
Teens have extra limits on hours and times of day, and may need a work permit. See Vermont teen work rules and which employers hire at 14 and 15.
Questions or a complaint? Contact the Vermont Department of Labor - Wage and Hour Program.