Mississippi Overtime Law

Mississippi Overtime Laws

Mississippi does not have its own state overtime laws. This means that employees in Mississippi are covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The FLSA establishes standards for minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor. It applies to employees in the private sector and in federal, state, and local governments.

Key Provisions of the FLSA:

Minimum Wage: Mississippi adheres to the federal minimum wage, which is $7.25 per hour. Employers in Mississippi must pay at least this amount to their employees.

Overtime Pay: The FLSA mandates that non-exempt employees receive overtime pay at a rate of 1.5 times their regular rate of pay for all hours worked exceeding 40 in a single workweek. This is the primary overtime protection for Mississippi employees.

Hours Worked: To determine if an employee is eligible for overtime pay, it’s essential to understand what constitutes “hours worked” under the FLSA. Generally, hours worked include all the time an employee is required to be on the employer’s premises, on duty, or at a prescribed workplace.

Statute of Limitations

Employees in Mississippi who believe they have been denied proper overtime compensation have a limited time to file a claim. The statute of limitations for unpaid overtime claims under the FLSA is generally two years. However, it can be extended to three years if the violation is deemed willful.

Damages for unpaid overtime

Employees who are successful in an FLSA lawsuit can recover unpaid overtime wages, liquidated (double) damages, and attorneys’ fees and costs.

Need Legal Help with Mississippi Overtime?

Navigating federal overtime laws can be complex, and it’s often beneficial to seek legal counsel if you have questions or believe your rights have been violated. Our experienced overtime attorneys can help you understand your rights and options and pursue a claim for unpaid wages.