Connecticut Overtime Laws

  Connecticut provides robust overtime protections for employees, going beyond the basic requirements of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Understanding these state-specific provisions is crucial for both employers and employees.

 

Key Features of Connecticut Overtime Law:

  • Overtime Pay: Connecticut mandates overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
  • Daily Overtime: Certain workers are also entitled to overtime pay for hours worked over 8 in a single day, offering additional protection compared to federal law.
  • Enforcement: The Connecticut Department of Labor, Wage and Workplace Standards Division, actively enforces these overtime regulations.

Minimum Wage in Connecticut

  Connecticut’s minimum wage is significantly higher than the federal minimum wage. In 2024, it was $15.69 per hour, and it increased to $16.35 per hour in 2025. The state minimum wage is indexed to the Federal Employment Cost Index (ECI) for annual adjustments.

Statute of Limitations

  The statute of limitations for unpaid overtime claims in Connecticut is generally 2 years under the Connecticut Minimum Wage Act. However, for willful violations under the FLSA, the statute of limitations can be extended to 3 years.

Damages for Unpaid overtime

Damages for Unpaid Overtime:

Connecticut employees can typically recover the following damages under federal law:

                      • Unpaid overtime wages
                      • Liquidated (double) damages
                      • Attorneys’ fees

FLSA Overtime Exemptions

  Connecticut does not automatically adopt FLSA exemptions. Courts in Connecticut make independent determinations on exemption issues, potentially providing broader coverage for employees compared to federal standards.