Oklahoma’s minimum wage is $7.25 per hour in 2026, matching the federal minimum wage. This rate has not changed since 2009, making Oklahoma one of five states that defaults entirely to federal standards. However, voters will decide in June 2026 whether to raise the state minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2030 through State Question 832.
The Oklahoma Minimum Wage Act applies to employers with 10 or more full-time employees or businesses earning over $100,000 annually. Tipped employees can be paid as low as $2.13 per hour, provided their tips bring them to at least $7.25 per hour. Workers not covered by state law still fall under federal protections through the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Calculate Your Earnings in Oklahoma
Want to know exactly how much you’ll earn at Oklahoma’s $7.25 minimum wage? Use our free calculator to estimate your weekly, monthly, and annual income based on your hours worked.
💰 Minimum Wage Earnings Calculator
Calculate your weekly, monthly, and annual earnings with overtime and tax estimates
📊 Your Earnings Breakdown
💰 Gross Earnings
Calculator features:
- Automatic Oklahoma wage rates for 2026
- Weekly, monthly, and annual earnings
- Overtime calculations
- Tax withholding estimates
- Take-home pay breakdown
Full calculator with all features: Oklahoma Minimum Wage Calculator
Questions about your wages or need legal help?
Email: admin@bestlawyersinunitedstates.com
What Is Oklahoma's Minimum Wage in 2026?
Oklahoma's minimum wage is $7.25 per hour as of January 1, 2026. This rate applies to all non-exempt employees working for covered employers.
The state has not enacted its own minimum wage increase since 2009. Instead, Oklahoma follows the federal minimum wage set by the Fair Labor Standards Act. This means when Congress raises the federal rate, Oklahoma's rate automatically increases to match.
Who Must Pay Oklahoma's Minimum Wage?
The Oklahoma Minimum Wage Act defines covered employers as businesses with:
- 10 or more full-time employees at one location, OR
- $100,000 or more in annual gross business
Smaller businesses not meeting these thresholds are exempt from state wage laws but must still comply with federal FLSA requirements if they engage in interstate commerce.
Oklahoma vs. Federal Minimum Wage
| Jurisdiction | Minimum Wage | Tipped Wage | Last Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma | $7.25/hour | $2.13/hour | July 2009 |
| Federal | $7.25/hour | $2.13/hour | July 2009 |
| Difference | $0.00 | $0.00 | Same since 2009 |
Key point: Oklahoma and federal minimum wages have been identical for 17 years. Both were last raised on July 24, 2009.
State Question 832: The $15 Minimum Wage Ballot Initiative
Oklahoma voters will decide the state's wage future in June 2026. State Question 832 proposes raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour through a series of gradual increases.
What Does State Question 832 Propose?
The ballot initiative would establish the following wage schedule:
| Effective Date | Minimum Wage | Annual Increase |
|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2027 | $9.00/hour | +$1.75 |
| January 1, 2028 | $10.50/hour | +$1.50 |
| January 1, 2029 | $13.50/hour | +$3.00 |
| January 1, 2030 | $15.00/hour | +$1.50 |
After 2030: The minimum wage would increase annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to maintain purchasing power.
When Will Oklahomans Vote on This?
The vote takes place during the June 2026 primary election. If approved by a simple majority, the first increase to $9.00 per hour would take effect on January 1, 2027.
How Does This Compare to Other States?
Several states have already implemented or scheduled $15 minimum wages:
- California: $16.50 in 2026 (already exceeds $15)
- New York: $16.50 in NYC, $16.00 statewide in 2026
- Massachusetts: $15.00 since 2023
- Connecticut: $15.69 in 2026 (with CPI adjustments)
- Colorado: $14.81 in 2026, continuing to increase
If State Question 832 passes, Oklahoma would join this group by 2030, though it would still trail states that reached $15 earlier.
Oklahoma Tipped Employee Wage Laws
Restaurant servers, bartenders, and other tipped workers in Oklahoma face different wage rules than regular employees. Understanding these rules protects both workers and employers from violations.
What Is Oklahoma's Tipped Minimum Wage?
Oklahoma allows employers to pay tipped employees as low as $2.13 per hour in direct wages. This is the same as the federal tipped minimum wage under the FLSA.
However, this applies only if the employee's tips bring their total hourly compensation to at least $7.25. If tips fall short, the employer must make up the difference.
Example calculation:
- Server works 30 hours and earns $63.90 in direct wages ($2.13 × 30 hours)
- Server receives $180 in tips
- Total compensation: $243.90 ($8.13 per hour average)
- Since $8.13 exceeds $7.25, the employer met minimum wage requirements
Who Qualifies as a Tipped Employee in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma law defines a tipped employee as someone who:
- Regularly receives more than $30 per month in tips
- Works in a position where tips are customary (servers, bartenders, valets, etc.)
Common tipped positions:
- Restaurant servers and waitstaff
- Bartenders and bar backs
- Hotel bellhops and valets
- Hair stylists and barbers
- Delivery drivers who receive tips
What If Tips Don't Reach Minimum Wage?
Employers must track each employee's tips and direct wages. If the combination falls below $7.25 per hour for any pay period, the employer must add the difference.
Real scenario:
- Server works 40 hours at $2.13/hour = $85.20
- Server receives $120 in tips during slow week
- Total: $205.20 ÷ 40 hours = $5.13/hour
- Employer must pay additional: ($7.25 - $5.13) × 40 hours = $84.80
Workers should report insufficient tip compensation to the Oklahoma Department of Labor Employment Standards Division.
Tip Pooling Rules in Oklahoma
Oklahoma follows federal tip pooling regulations. Employers can require tip pools among employees who customarily receive tips, but managers and supervisors cannot participate.
Allowed tip pool participants:
- Servers, bussers, and food runners
- Bartenders and barbacks
- Host staff (in some arrangements)
Prohibited tip pool participants:
- Restaurant managers
- Kitchen staff (cooks, dishwashers)
- Owners and supervisors
Employers cannot keep any portion of employee tips under any circumstances. Violations can result in employees recovering all withheld tips plus equal damages.
Who Is Exempt from Oklahoma Minimum Wage Laws?
The Oklahoma Minimum Wage Act lists 12 specific exemption categories. These workers are not covered by state minimum wage requirements, though they may still have protections under federal law.
The 12 Oklahoma Minimum Wage Exemptions
1. Agricultural Workers
- Farm workers
- Ranch workers
- Farm and ranch mechanics
- Workers handling livestock
2. Domestic Employees
- Household maids
- Private housekeepers
- Home care workers (with exceptions)
3. Federal Government Workers All federal employees follow federal pay scales, not state minimum wage laws.
4. Volunteers
- Charity organization volunteers
- Church volunteers
- Nonprofit club volunteers
5. Newspaper Carriers and Vendors Independent newspaper delivery workers and street vendors.
6. Railroad Workers Employees covered by the Railway Labor Act.
7. Workers Already Earning Federal Minimum Wage or Higher If an employee already makes $7.25 or more per hour, Oklahoma's law doesn't apply since the rates are identical.
8. Executive, Administrative, and Professional Employees Often called "white collar exemptions," these include:
- Executive managers
- Administrative staff meeting specific duties tests
- Professionals (lawyers, doctors, engineers, teachers)
- Outside salespeople
9. Part-Time Employees (Under 25 Hours Per Week) Oklahoma defines part-time as less than 25 hours weekly. These workers on non-permanent status are exempt from state minimum wage.
Important: This exemption doesn't apply to federal minimum wage. Part-time workers must still receive at least $7.25 under federal law if they work for a covered employer.
10. Students Under Specific Conditions
- Anyone under 18 who hasn't graduated high school
- Anyone under 22 currently enrolled in school
11. Feedstore Employees Workers employed at agricultural feed stores.
12. Reserve Deputy Sheriffs Reserve law enforcement officers.
Do Exemptions Mean No Minimum Wage?
Not necessarily. Workers exempt from Oklahoma state law may still be covered by federal FLSA protections. Most businesses engaged in interstate commerce must pay at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
Example: A part-time retail worker (22 hours per week) is exempt from Oklahoma's law but must still receive $7.25 under federal FLSA if the employer's annual sales exceed $500,000.
| Exemption Category | Oklahoma Law | Federal FLSA | Typical Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part-time (<25 hrs) | ❌ Exempt | ✅ Covered | $7.25/hour |
| Farm workers | ❌ Exempt | ❌ Often exempt | Varies |
| Students (under 22) | ❌ Exempt | ✅ May be covered | $7.25/hour |
| Executives | ❌ Exempt | ❌ Exempt if salary test met | Salary |
Oklahoma Overtime Laws and Regulations
Oklahoma does not have its own overtime law. All overtime requirements come from the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.
How Does Overtime Work in Oklahoma?
Employers must pay non-exempt employees 1.5 times their regular rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Oklahoma does not require overtime for hours worked over 8 in a single day, unlike states such as California or Colorado.
Overtime calculation for minimum wage worker:
- Regular rate: $7.25/hour
- Overtime rate: $10.88/hour ($7.25 × 1.5)
- Weekly pay for 50 hours: (40 × $7.25) + (10 × $10.88) = $398.80
Calculate Your Overtime Pay in Oklahoma
Working more than 40 hours per week? Calculate your overtime earnings based on Oklahoma's overtime laws. This calculator accounts for Oklahoma's specific overtime rules under federal FLSA standards.
⏰ Overtime Pay Calculator
Calculate your overtime earnings based on your state's specific labor laws
📍 Select Your State
💰 Your Hourly Wage
📊 Calculation Method
📅 Weekly Hours
💵 Your Weekly Overtime Pay
📊 Earnings Breakdown
📅 Pay Period Estimates
⚖️ State vs Federal Comparison
Calculator features:
- Oklahoma-specific overtime rules (federal FLSA)
- Weekly overtime calculations
- Pay period breakdowns
- Comparison with regular pay
- Estimated take-home after taxes
Full overtime calculator: Oklahoma Overtime Pay Calculator
Questions about your wages or need legal help?
Email: admin@bestlawyersinunitedstates.com
Who Is Exempt from Overtime in Oklahoma?
The same federal exemptions that apply nationwide also apply in Oklahoma:
Salary-based exemptions (must meet salary threshold AND duties test):
- Executive employees earning $684+ per week
- Administrative employees earning $684+ per week
- Professional employees earning $684+ per week
- Computer employees earning $684+ per week or $27.63+ per hour
- Outside sales employees (no salary minimum)
Other common overtime exemptions:
- Certain commissioned salespeople
- Seasonal amusement or recreation establishment workers
- Some transportation workers
- Agricultural workers
Does Oklahoma Require Meal or Rest Breaks?
No. Oklahoma has no state law requiring meal periods or rest breaks for adult workers. Employers may provide breaks voluntarily or as part of employment contracts, but state law does not mandate them.
Under federal rules, if an employer provides breaks:
- Short breaks (5-20 minutes): Must be paid
- Meal periods (30+ minutes): May be unpaid if employee is completely relieved of duties
Oklahoma City and Tulsa: Local Minimum Wage Laws
Unlike major cities in states such as California or New York, Oklahoma City and Tulsa do not have separate local minimum wages.
Why Don't Oklahoma Cities Have Higher Minimum Wages?
Oklahoma operates under state preemption law, which prevents cities and counties from enacting their own minimum wage ordinances. All Oklahoma municipalities must follow the state minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
This differs significantly from states that allow local control. For example, Seattle has a $19.97 minimum wage, while San Francisco requires $18.07—both far exceeding their state minimums.
Have Oklahoma Cities Tried to Raise Local Wages?
Some Oklahoma City Council members have proposed local minimum wage increases in past years, but state preemption law blocks these efforts. Any change to Oklahoma's minimum wage must come through:
- State legislation passed by the Oklahoma Legislature
- Citizen ballot initiatives like State Question 832
- Federal increases that raise the national floor
How Does This Compare to Neighboring States?
| State | Allows Local Minimum Wages? | Example Cities |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma | ❌ No | OKC, Tulsa follow state rate |
| Colorado | ✅ Yes | Denver: $18.29 |
| Missouri | ✅ Yes (limited) | Kansas City: $15.00 |
| Kansas | ❌ No | Wichita follows state rate |
| Arkansas | ❌ No | Little Rock follows state rate |
| Texas | ❌ No | Dallas, Austin follow state rate |
States like Colorado and Missouri permit cities to set higher rates, while Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, and Texas prohibit local wage laws.
Oklahoma Minimum Wage History: 1938-2026
Oklahoma's minimum wage has followed federal rates for most of its history. The state has never set a minimum wage higher than the federal floor.
Timeline of Oklahoma Minimum Wage Changes
| Year | Oklahoma Minimum Wage | Federal Minimum Wage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1938 | N/A | $0.25 | FLSA enacted |
| 1968 | Matched federal | $1.60 | Oklahoma adopted state law |
| 1997 | $5.15 | $5.15 | Matched increase |
| 2007 | $5.85 | $5.85 | First of three-year increase |
| 2008 | $6.55 | $6.55 | Second annual increase |
| 2009 | $7.25 | $7.25 | Last increase (17 years ago) |
| 2026 | $7.25 | $7.25 | Current rate |
Critical fact: Oklahoma's minimum wage has not increased since July 24, 2009—a span of 17 years. If State Question 832 fails in June 2026, this stagnation will continue indefinitely.
How Has Inflation Affected Oklahoma's Minimum Wage?
The $7.25 minimum wage from 2009 has lost substantial purchasing power due to inflation.
Inflation-adjusted comparison:
- $7.25 in 2009 = approximately $10.50 in 2026 dollars
- Real wage loss: approximately 31% since last increase
- To match 1968 purchasing power, 2026 minimum wage would need to be $12.50+
Workers earning minimum wage in Oklahoma can purchase significantly less with their wages than they could 17 years ago.
Oklahoma vs. Neighboring States Over Time
While Oklahoma's wage has remained frozen, neighboring states have diverged:
| State | 2009 Rate | 2026 Rate | Total Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma | $7.25 | $7.25 | $0.00 (0%) |
| Missouri | $7.25 | $12.30 | +$5.05 (70%) |
| Arkansas | $6.25 | $11.00 | +$4.75 (76%) |
| Colorado | $7.28 | $14.81 | +$7.53 (103%) |
| New Mexico | $7.50 | $12.00 | +$4.50 (60%) |
| Kansas | $7.25 | $7.25 | $0.00 (0%) |
Only Kansas matches Oklahoma's stagnant wage. Missouri, Arkansas, Colorado, and New Mexico have all implemented significant increases.
How to File a Wage Claim in Oklahoma
If your employer hasn't paid you properly, Oklahoma law provides a process to recover unpaid wages. Commissioner Leslie Osborn oversees the Oklahoma Department of Labor Employment Standards Division, which investigates wage violations.
When Should You File a Wage Claim?
File a claim if your employer:
- Paid you less than minimum wage
- Failed to pay overtime for hours over 40 per week
- Withheld your final paycheck after termination
- Took illegal deductions from your wages
- Kept tips that belong to you
- Violated the Oklahoma Minimum Wage Act in any way
Step-by-Step: Filing a Wage Complaint in Oklahoma
1. Document Everything Gather all evidence before filing:
- Pay stubs and wage statements
- Timesheets or time clock records
- Work schedules
- Written communications about pay
- Bank statements showing deposits
2. Contact the Oklahoma Department of Labor File your complaint with the Employment Standards Division:
- Phone: 1-888-269-5353
- Website: www.ok.gov/odol
- Address: Oklahoma Department of Labor, 3017 N. Stiles, Suite 100, Oklahoma City, OK 73105
3. File Within the Deadline Oklahoma has specific time limits for wage claims. While the statute varies by violation type, file as soon as possible to preserve your rights.
4. Commissioner Investigation Commissioner Leslie Osborn's office will:
- Review your complaint and documentation
- Contact your employer for their response
- Investigate the wage violation
- Issue written findings by certified mail
Calculate Your Wage Theft Recovery in Oklahoma
Think your employer owes you money? Use our wage theft calculator to estimate how much you could recover, including unpaid wages, penalties, and interest under Oklahoma law.
Wage Theft Recovery Calculator
Estimate how much you can recover in unpaid wages, penalties, and damages based on your state's laws
💵 Estimated Total Recovery
💰 Unpaid Wages
⚖️ Penalties & Damages
📋 Total Summary
Calculator features:
- Multiple violation types (unpaid wages, overtime, tips)
- Oklahoma-specific penalties and damages
- Filing deadline tracker
- Total recovery estimate
- Next steps guidance
Full wage theft calculator: Oklahoma Wage Theft Recovery Calculator
Need help with unpaid wages? Contact Oklahoma Department of Labor or consult with an employment attorney.
Questions about your wages or need legal help?
Email: admin@bestlawyersinunitedstates.com
Oklahoma's 2% Daily Penalty for Unpaid Wages
Oklahoma law includes a powerful enforcement mechanism for terminated employees. If the Commissioner finds that wages are due after employment ends, the employer may face a 2% per day penalty up to the total amount of the wage claim.
Example calculation:
- Employee owed $1,000 in unpaid wages
- Employer delays payment for 30 days after Commissioner's finding
- Penalty: $1,000 × 2% × 30 days = $600
- Total owed: $1,600
The penalty stops accruing once it equals 100% of the original wage claim (after 50 days).
Employer Penalties for Wage Violations
Oklahoma treats wage violations seriously. Employers who violate the Oklahoma Minimum Wage Act face multiple consequences:
| Violation Type | Employer Penalty | Employee Recovery |
|---|---|---|
| Unpaid minimum wage | Double damages | 2× unpaid amount |
| Unpaid overtime | Double damages | 2× unpaid amount |
| Tip theft | Double damages + penalty | All tips + 2× damages |
| Retaliation | Criminal charges | Reinstatement + back pay |
| Knowing violations | Misdemeanor | Court costs + attorney fees |
Criminal penalties:
- Fine up to $500
- County jail up to 6 months
- Or both fine and jail time
Courts also award reasonable attorney fees of at least $100 to successful wage claimants.
What If Your Employer Retaliates?
Retaliation for filing a wage claim is illegal. If your employer fires you, reduces your hours, or otherwise punishes you for asserting wage rights, you have additional claims.
Document any adverse actions and report them immediately to the Oklahoma Department of Labor. You may be entitled to reinstatement, back pay, and additional damages.
Oklahoma Wage Posting Requirements
Oklahoma employers must display official wage posters where employees can easily see them. These posters inform workers of their rights under the Oklahoma Minimum Wage Act.
Required Oklahoma Labor Law Posters
The Oklahoma Department of Labor provides an official "Your Rights Under the Oklahoma Minimum Wage Act" poster. Employers must post this notice in a conspicuous location at each workplace.
Poster requirements:
- Must be in English (Spanish available but not required)
- Posted in employee break rooms or common areas
- Visible to all employees
- Updated when laws change
Download the official poster: Oklahoma Department of Labor website (www.ok.gov/odol)
What Information Must Be Posted?
The Oklahoma minimum wage poster includes:
- Current minimum wage rate
- Tipped employee wage information
- Overtime requirements
- Exemption categories
- How to file a wage complaint
- Contact information for Oklahoma Department of Labor
- Commissioner Leslie Osborn's name and enforcement authority
Penalties for Not Posting
While Oklahoma law doesn't specify a fine for missing posters, failure to post can strengthen employee wage claims. Courts may view missing posters as evidence the employer didn't comply with wage laws.
Federal law also requires employers to post the FLSA poster, which has potential penalties for non-compliance.
Oklahoma Minimum Wage FAQs
What is the minimum wage in Oklahoma for 2026?
Quick Answer: Oklahoma's minimum wage is $7.25 per hour in 2026, matching the federal minimum wage. This rate has remained unchanged since July 2009.
The rate applies to all non-exempt employees working for covered employers (those with 10+ full-time employees or $100,000+ annual business). Tipped employees may receive $2.13 per hour in direct wages if their tips bring total compensation to $7.25.
Will Oklahoma's minimum wage increase in 2026?
Quick Answer: Not automatically, but voters will decide State Question 832 in June 2026, which would raise the minimum wage to $9.00 in 2027, $10.50 in 2028, $13.50 in 2029, and $15.00 in 2030.
If the ballot initiative fails, Oklahoma's minimum wage will remain $7.25 unless federal law changes or the state legislature passes an increase.
What is Oklahoma's tipped minimum wage?
Quick Answer: Oklahoma's tipped minimum wage is $2.13 per hour, the same as the federal tipped minimum. Employers must ensure tips bring workers to at least $7.25 per hour total.
If a tipped employee's hourly compensation (direct wages plus tips) falls below $7.25, the employer must pay the difference. Employers cannot keep any portion of employee tips.
How do I calculate my earnings at Oklahoma minimum wage?
Quick Answer: Multiply your hours worked by $7.25, then add overtime pay (1.5× rate) for any hours over 40 per week.
Use our Oklahoma Minimum Wage Calculator to instantly calculate your weekly, monthly, and annual earnings based on your work schedule. The calculator includes overtime, tax estimates, and take-home pay.
How much overtime pay am I entitled to in Oklahoma?
Quick Answer: You receive 1.5 times your regular rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. For minimum wage workers, that's $10.88 per overtime hour.
Calculate your exact overtime pay using our Oklahoma Overtime Calculator, which accounts for your regular rate and hours worked.
Does Oklahoma City have a different minimum wage?
Quick Answer: No. Oklahoma City follows the state minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Oklahoma law prevents cities from setting their own minimum wages.
This differs from states that allow local control, where cities can establish higher rates than the state minimum. All Oklahoma cities and counties must follow the $7.25 state rate.
What is Tulsa's minimum wage in 2026?
Quick Answer: Tulsa's minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, the same as the state rate. Oklahoma does not permit cities to set separate minimum wages.
Who is exempt from Oklahoma minimum wage laws?
Quick Answer: Oklahoma exempts 12 categories including farm workers, part-time employees (under 25 hours/week), students under certain conditions, domestic workers, and several other groups.
However, many exempt workers still receive federal minimum wage protections under FLSA. Check the full exemption list to see if your job qualifies.
How do I file a wage claim in Oklahoma?
Quick Answer: Contact the Oklahoma Department of Labor at 1-888-269-5353 or visit www.ok.gov/odol to file a complaint about unpaid wages.
Gather your pay stubs, timesheets, and work records before filing. Commissioner Leslie Osborn's office will investigate and issue findings. Use our Wage Theft Calculator to estimate your potential recovery.
How do I calculate wage theft recovery in Oklahoma?
Quick Answer: Calculate unpaid wages, then double that amount for damages under Oklahoma law. Add a 2% daily penalty if your employment ended and the employer delayed payment.
Our Oklahoma Wage Theft Recovery Calculator provides instant estimates of your total recovery, including penalties and damages.
When was the last time Oklahoma raised its minimum wage?
Quick Answer: July 24, 2009—17 years ago. Oklahoma's minimum wage increased from $6.55 to $7.25 to match federal law and has remained frozen since.
Without passage of State Question 832, Oklahoma's wage could remain $7.25 indefinitely.
What happens if State Question 832 passes?
Quick Answer: If approved in June 2026, Oklahoma's minimum wage would increase to $9.00 on January 1, 2027, then rise annually to reach $15.00 by 2030.
After 2030, the wage would adjust yearly based on inflation to maintain purchasing power.
Does Oklahoma require overtime for hours over 8 in a day?
Quick Answer: No. Oklahoma only requires overtime for hours over 40 in a workweek, not for daily hours. Some states like California require daily overtime, but Oklahoma follows federal FLSA rules.
Can my employer take a tip credit in Oklahoma?
Quick Answer: Yes. Oklahoma employers can pay tipped employees $2.13 per hour in direct wages and take a tip credit for the difference to $7.25, provided tips actually cover the gap.
If your tips don't bring you to $7.25 per hour, your employer must make up the difference.
What is the penalty for paying below minimum wage in Oklahoma?
Quick Answer: Employers face double damages (paying 2× the unpaid wages), a 2% daily penalty for delayed payment after termination, court costs, attorney fees, and potential criminal charges (up to $500 fine and 6 months jail).
Does Oklahoma require meal breaks?
Quick Answer: No. Oklahoma has no state law requiring meal periods or rest breaks for adult workers.
Employers may voluntarily provide breaks. If they do, short breaks (5-20 minutes) must be paid, while meal periods (30+ minutes) may be unpaid if employees are fully relieved of duties.
How does Oklahoma's minimum wage compare to neighboring states?
Quick Answer: Oklahoma and Kansas both have $7.25 minimum wages. Missouri ($12.30), Arkansas ($11.00), Colorado ($14.81), and New Mexico ($12.00) all have higher rates.
See detailed comparisons with Missouri minimum wage, Arkansas minimum wage, and other neighboring states above.
Who enforces minimum wage laws in Oklahoma?
Quick Answer: The Oklahoma Department of Labor Employment Standards Division, led by Commissioner Leslie Osborn, enforces state wage laws. The U.S. Department of Labor enforces federal FLSA.
Contact Oklahoma DOL at 1-888-269-5353 to report violations.
Can part-time workers be paid less than minimum wage in Oklahoma?
Quick Answer: Oklahoma exempts part-time employees (under 25 hours per week) from state minimum wage law, but they're still covered by federal FLSA requiring $7.25 per hour.
Most part-time workers must receive at least the federal minimum wage even though they're exempt from state law.
What is considered a workweek for overtime purposes in Oklahoma?
Quick Answer: A workweek is any fixed, regularly recurring period of 168 hours (7 consecutive 24-hour periods). Employers can set any workweek schedule, but must apply it consistently.
Overtime applies to hours over 40 within each workweek, regardless of when the workweek starts.
Understanding Your Rights Under Oklahoma Wage Laws
Oklahoma workers have protections under both state and federal wage laws. The Oklahoma Minimum Wage Act covers most employees working for larger employers, while the Fair Labor Standards Act provides a federal safety net.
Key rights include receiving at least $7.25 per hour for non-exempt work, overtime pay at 1.5 times regular rate for hours over 40 weekly, and keeping all earned tips without employer deductions. Workers can file complaints with the Oklahoma Department of Labor if employers violate these rights.
The upcoming June 2026 vote on State Question 832 represents a potential turning point for Oklahoma wages. If approved, minimum wage workers would see their hourly pay more than double from $7.25 to $15.00 over four years.
Whether you're an employee checking if you're paid correctly, an employer ensuring compliance, or a voter considering State Question 832, understanding Oklahoma's wage laws helps you make informed decisions. Use the calculators and resources throughout this guide to calculate your earnings, determine overtime pay, and estimate wage theft recovery if needed.
For specific questions about your situation, contact the Oklahoma Department of Labor Employment Standards Division at 1-888-269-5353 or email admin@bestlawyersinunitedstates.com for legal assistance.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with an employment attorney or the Oklahoma Department of Labor for guidance on specific wage issues.
