Vermont Labor Laws

Vermont Labor Laws: Every Rule With Its 2026 Figure — Best Proven Guide (2026)

By Oleg Kachko · Updated October 8, 2026
✓ Verified October 2026

Vermont labor laws in one place: the minimum wage is $14.42, after 40 hours in a workweek at 1.5 times the regular rate, a reasonable opportunity during the work period to eat and use the toilet — no fixed length, paid sick leave is required, and the final paycheck is due within 72 hours of the discharge if you are fired.

This guide gives the exact vermont labor laws rule with the date we verified it, the statute, and what to do next. Rules verified against the statute on 2026-10-08; confirm the current rule with Vermont Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Program or an attorney before you rely on it.

Vermont Labor Laws at a Glance

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Minimum wage $14.42 (employers of 2 or more)
Overtime After 40 hours in a workweek at 1.5 times the regular rate
Meal break A reasonable opportunity during the work period to eat and use the toilet — no fixed length
Paid sick leave Yes
Final paycheck if fired Within 72 hours of the discharge
PTO paid out Only if the employer’s policy provides it
Non compete Enforceable if reasonable (common law)
Right to work No
At-will Yes

Vermont Labor Laws: Minimum Wage and Overtime

The minimum wage is $14.42 (employers of 2 or more). After 40 hours in a workweek at 1.5 times the regular rate. No daily overtime in Vermont — only the weekly total counts.

⚠ Vermont labor laws at a glance: minimum wage $14.42; overtime after 40 hours in a workweek at 1.5 times the regular rate; not a right-to-work state; at-will.

Vermont Labor Laws: Breaks and Lunch

A reasonable opportunity during the work period to eat and use the toilet — no fixed length. No Vermont law requires paid rest breaks; under the federal FLSA any short break of 5 to 20 minutes an employer does give must be paid.

Vermont Labor Laws at a Glance

Rules verified against the statute on 2026-10-08; confirm the current rule with Vermont Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Program or an attorney before you rely on it. The statute row is where to check it yourself.

Minimum wage $14.42 (employers of 2 or more)
Overtime After 40 hours in a workweek at 1.5 times the regular rate
Meal break A reasonable opportunity during the work period to eat and use the toilet — no fixed length
Paid sick leave Yes
Final paycheck if fired Within 72 hours of the discharge
PTO paid out Only if the employer’s policy provides it
Non compete Enforceable if reasonable (common law)
Right to work No
At-will Yes

Vermont Labor Laws: Hours Worked, 12-Hour Shifts and Days of Rest

Vermont generally does not limit 12-hour shifts or mandatory overtime for adult workers, and state law covers overtime pay rather than whether extra hours can be required. A 2026 bill (S.277) would bar mandatory overtime for hourly nurses in hospitals and long-term care facilities except in emergencies, but it has not been confirmed as law, so check its status with the legislature.

Vermont Labor Laws for 16 and 17 Year Olds

Vermont caps daily and weekly hours for 16- and 17-year-olds only when they work in manufacturing or mechanical establishments. Outside those settings the state generally sets no hour limits for this age group, but no one under 18 may work in a job declared hazardous by the Vermont Department of Labor or the U.S. Department of Labor. Confirm current limits with the state agency.

Vermont Labor Laws: Sick Leave and PTO

1 hour for every 52 hours worked; 40 hours a year. Vacation payout follows the employer’s policy.

Vermont Labor Laws: Final Paycheck

Within 72 hours of the discharge if the employer ends the job; on the last regular payday, or the following Friday if there is no regular payday (21 V.S.A. 342(b)(1)) if you quit. Penalty: a fine under 21 V.S.A. 345 and a civil action for the wages with up to double damages and fees (21 V.S.A. 347).

Vermont Labor Laws: Non Compete, Right to Work and At-Will

Vermont has no non compete statute; the Vermont Supreme Court (Summits 7 v. Kelly, 2005) enforces a covenant that is reasonable and justified, narrowly tailored in geography, time and subject matter to protect the employer’s legitimate interests, and continued at-will employment is sufficient consideration.

Bills to ban non competes have been introduced in 2018, 2019 and again in 2026, and the House Commerce Committee was studying the question in January 2026, but no ban has passed.

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No — Vermont is not a right-to-work state: a union contract with a union-security clause may require you to pay dues or an agency fee as a condition of employment (federal law already bars forcing you to formally join). Vermont is an at-will state: either side may end the job at any time for any lawful reason.

Vermont Labor Laws: Required Posters

Vermont employers generally must display state posters on minimum wage, workers’ compensation and reinstatement rights, sexual harassment, VOSHA safety and health, unemployment insurance, child labor, earned sick time, accommodations for pregnant employees and protections for crime victims. Employers that meet the size threshold must also post the Family and Parental Leave notice, and the official list is on the Vermont Department of Labor’s poster page.

Other Vermont Labor Laws to Know

Vermont’s Earned Sick Time Act generally lets most employees earn paid sick time that can be used for their own illness, a family member’s care or certain safety reasons. The Parental and Family Leave Act also gives eligible employees job-protected leave at covered employers. Confirm eligibility with the Vermont Department of Labor.

Every rule on this page has its own guide — and the wage-claim agency enforces most of them for free.

Contact Vermont Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Program

Vermont — the bottom line

  • Vermont labor laws start with the minimum wage ($14.42) and overtime after 40 hours in a workweek at 1.5 times the regular rate.
  • Under vermont labor laws the final paycheck, breaks and sick leave each have a rule with a date — the links on this page go to each one.
  • Vermont labor laws are enforced mostly by a free wage claim; the attorney question arises only for wrongful termination and non competes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum wage under Vermont labor laws?

$14.42 (employers of 2 or more).

When is overtime owed under Vermont labor laws?

After 40 hours in a workweek at 1.5 times the regular rate. No daily overtime in Vermont — only the weekly total counts.

Are breaks required under Vermont labor laws?

A reasonable opportunity during the work period to eat and use the toilet — no fixed length.

Is paid sick leave required under Vermont labor laws?

Yes — 1 hour for every 52 hours worked

When is my final paycheck due under Vermont labor laws?

Within 72 hours of the discharge.

Official Vermont Sources & Resources

This vermont labor laws guide was last verified against official Vermont sources in October 2026. Rules change — confirm the current figure with the state agency or a licensed attorney.

More Vermont Workplace Rights Guides

Disclaimer: This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. My Unemployment Rights is an independent educational resource, not a government agency and not a law firm. Final-paycheck deadlines, penalties and non compete rules change — every figure here carries the date we verified it. Confirm the current rule with your state labor department or a licensed attorney before you act.

Hurt at work before you lost the job? See whether workers comp or unemployment applies at Workers Comp Explained. Denied unemployment because you cannot work? Social Security disability may be the right program - start at Disability Claim Info. Lost income and worried about rent? Know your rights before an eviction notice arrives at Tenant Rights Info.