State Wage Orders

Who must post a wage order?

In addition to the state’s labor and occupational safety and health laws, employers in some states are required to comply with state wage orders for particular industries.  Wage orders establish detailed standards related to wages, hours and working conditions of particular industries.  Wage orders often cover a variety of work-related matters.  The most common are:

  • Wage rates
  • Overtime qualifications
  • Maintenance of records
  • Reporting-time pay
  • Work breaks
  • Posting requirement

Because wage orders are usually more precise than the general labor laws, employers in covered industries should be aware of the elevated compliance responsibilities contained in the wage order.  Employers who violate the requirements of a state wage order face penalties and legal action.

California Wage Orders (“IWC”s)

  • In addition to the General Minimum Wage Order, all California employers are required to post an IWC Wage Order that pertains to their industry or occupation group. California IWC Wage Orders must be posted in an area frequented by employees where it may be easily read during the workday. Labor Code §1183(d).
  • California has 17 IWC Wage Orders. If you are unsure which industry or occupation wage order applies to you business, please see the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) publication, “Which IWC Order? Classifications” or the alphabetical index of businesses and occupations. For more help, please give us a call!

California IWCs

IndustryLanguages Available
Manufacturing IndustryEnglish/Spanish
Personal Service IndustryEnglish/Spanish
Canning, Freezing, & PreservingEnglish/Spanish
Professional, Technical, ClericalEnglish/Spanish
Public HousekeepingEnglish/Spanish
Laundry, Linen, and Dry CleaningEnglish/Spanish
Mercantile IndustryEnglish/Spanish
Products After HarvestEnglish/Spanish
Transportation IndustryEnglish/Spanish
Amusement and RecreationEnglish/Spanish
Broadcasting IndustryEnglish
Motion Picture IndustryEnglish/Spanish
Agricultural ProductsEnglish/Spanish
Agricultural OccupationsEnglish/Spanish
Household OccupationsEnglish/Spanish
Construction, Drilling, LoggingEnglish/Spanish
Miscellaneous EmployeesEnglish/Spanish

 


Wage Orders for other states

Connecticut

In the state of Connecticut, there are specific regulations covering the following industries:

  • Mercantile
  • Restaurant

Each employer subject to the provisions must post a wage order at the place of business where it can be read easily by the employees. (Connecticut General Statutes, Section 31-66)

IndustryLanguages Available
Mercantile IndustryEnglish
Restaurant and Hotel Occupations English/Spanish

 


New Jersey

Every employer subject to any order issued under the New Jersey Wage and Hour Law must keep any applicable wage order posted in a conspicuous and accessible place in or about the premises wherein any person subject thereto is employed. (NJSA 34:11-56a21)

IndustryLanguages Available
First Processing Farm Product OccupationsEnglish
Seasonal Amusement Occupations English
Hotel and Motel Occupations English
Food Service Occupations English
Mercantile Occupations English
Beauty Culture Occupations English
Laundry, Cleaning and Dyeing Occupations English

 


New York

In addition to the general minimum wage order, every New York employer must keep applicable wage orders – Building Services, Hospitality, Miscellaneous Industries and Occupations, and Agriculture – posted in a conspicuous place in his or her establishment. (12 NYCRR Ch. 2, Sub. B)

IndustryLanguages Available
Apparel Industry English
Building Service IndustryEnglish
Farm Workers English
Hospitality IndustryEnglish
Miscellaneous Industries English/Spanish