Understanding Utah’s labor laws can help employers support compliant, well-structured workforce operations, whether managing local teams or relocating employees into the state. Utah is often viewed as having a relatively employer-friendly regulatory environment, while still maintaining clear expectations around wages, overtime, employee classification, youth employment, and wage payment timing.

Below is a practical overview of Utah’s employment rules to support informed planning for 2026.

Minimum wage requirements

Utah does not set a separate state minimum wage and instead follows the federal minimum wage under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

• Minimum wage: $7.25 per hour
• Applies to covered employers and employees under federal law

For tipped employees, the combined total of the cash wage and tips is expected to equal at least $7.25 per hour.

Overtime rules under Utah and Federal law

Utah does not establish a separate overtime framework for private-sector employers and instead follows federal standards under the FLSA.

In practice, this means:

• Non-exempt employees are generally eligible for overtime at 1.5× their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek
• Daily overtime is not required, even when an employee works more than eight hours in a single day
• Bonuses, commissions, and incentive pay are typically included when calculating the regular rate for overtime purposes
  

Exempt classifications (such as executive, administrative, and professional roles) are based on federal job-duties tests and applicable salary thresholds. Many employers review classifications periodically to ensure they continue to align with role responsibilities as positions evolve.

Breaks, meal periods, and youth employment

Utah does not mandate meals or rest breaks for adult employees. When employers choose to offer short rest breaks, commonly 5 to 20 minutes, federal law generally treats this time as compensable.

For employees under the age of 18, Utah has specific requirements:

• A 30-minute meal period is required no later than five hours into a shift
• A 10-minute paid rest break is provided for every four hours worked
• Minors are typically not scheduled to work more than three consecutive hours without a rest break

These standards are often factored into scheduling and manager training for workplaces that employ minors.

Final wages and separation timing

Utah distinguishes between involuntary and voluntary separations when it comes to final pay timing:

• For terminations, final wages are generally issued within 24 hours of separation
• For resignations, final pay is typically issued by the next regular payday

Some employers coordinate with payroll providers in advance to ensure these timelines can be supported smoothly when needed.

Record-keeping considerations

Utah law outlines minimum record-retention periods for wage and employment information:

• Under the Utah Payment of Wages Act, certain wage records are kept for at least one year
• Under the Utah Minimum Wage Act, specific records are maintained for three years
  

In practice, many organizations choose to retain payroll, tax, and employment records for longer periods to align with federal tax and unemployment insurance guidance. This approach is commonly treated as an operational preference rather than a statutory requirement.

 MovePlus serves as a strategic partner, helping organisations transform employee mobility from a series of logistical tasks into a structured, visible, and employee-focused talent strategy. We support HR and mobility teams by centralising relocation management and data, aligning moves with company policy, and coordinating with relevant partners where state-specific requirements apply, ensuring every relocation across the U.S. is smooth, supported, and well-managed from start to finish.