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The Workforce Regulation and Safety Division provides information and services in the following areas: labor standards, occupational safety, and professional regulation. The Labor Standards Unit is concerned with workplace issues like wages, overtime, child labor, minimum wage, and parental and family leave.
State Child Labor Laws: With some exceptions, minors under 14 years of age may not be employed. Minors are required to have work permits. Minors under the age of 16 are required to have a badge and permit when they are working in street occupations. Rhode Island law prohibits work in some occupations for minors under the age of 16 and limits working hours for persons under the age of 18.
Rhode Island's rules on employment of children can be found at Title 28, Chapter 28-3 of the Rhode Island Statutes.
State Minimum Wage:
Effective January 1, 2025, the state minimum wage is $15.00 per hour.
Effective January 1, 2026, the state minimum wage is $16.00 per hour.
Effective January 1, 2027, the state minimum wage is $17.99 per hour.
Overtime: Most employees in Rhode Island must be paid overtime compensation for any hours they work over 40 per week. Overtime pay is 11/2 times the employee's regular rate of pay.
Rhode Island's minimum wage and overtime rules can be found at Title 28, Chapter 28-12 of the Rhode Island Statutes.
State Prevailing Wage: $1,000 is set as the threshold amount for contract coverage under the state prevailing wage law.
Contact information
- Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training
Workforce Regulation and Safety Division
Labor Standards Unit
Center General Complex
1511 Pontiac Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920
Phone: 401-462-8000; RI Relay: 711 - Email: mmadonna@dlt.ri.gov
Website: www.dlt.state.ri.us/