Iowa Overtime Laws
Iowa follows federal FLSA overtime rules.
Weekly OT Threshold
40 hrs
Daily OT Threshold
None
Double Time
No
Minimum Wage
$7.25
Federal rate
Overtime Rules
| Weekly Overtime | Hours over 40 in a workweek paid at 1.5x |
| Daily Overtime | Not required by state law |
| Double Time | Not required by state law |
| 7th Consecutive Day | No special rule |
Exemptions
The following categories of employees may be exempt from overtime requirements:
Standard FLSA exemptions apply
Important Notes
Iowa follows federal FLSA overtime rules.
State Labor Department
Iowa Economy and Workforce
Iowa's economy combines advanced manufacturing with a powerful agricultural sector, contributing $238.3 billion in gross state product in 2023. The state is the nation's second-largest agricultural exporter and leads the country in ethanol and biodiesel production, while manufacturing contributes nearly $38.6 billion annually.
Industries with Common Overtime
These Iowa industries frequently involve overtime work situations:
Advanced Manufacturing
Iowa's largest industry with over 226,000 workers and 6,200 establishments, manufacturing workers frequently work overtime in machinery, food processing, and transportation equipment production.
Agriculture and Food Processing
As a top producer of corn, soybeans, pork, and eggs, agricultural workers and food processing employees commonly work overtime during planting, harvest, and peak production seasons.
Renewable Energy
Leading the nation in ethanol, biodiesel, and wind energy production, workers in renewable fuel plants and wind farm maintenance often work extended hours.
Financial Services
Contributing over $47 billion to GDP, financial services workers may work overtime during fiscal reporting periods and market events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Iowa does not have additional overtime laws beyond federal requirements. Employers must follow FLSA rules, paying overtime at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
Iowa's overtime minimum wage is $10.88 per hour, which is 1.5 times the state minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. If you earn more than minimum wage, your overtime rate would be 1.5 times your actual regular hourly rate.
Under Iowa Code, employees can recover the full amount of unpaid overtime wages plus liquidated damages (calculated as a percentage under Iowa Code Section 91A.2.6), court costs, and attorney's fees if the employer intentionally failed to pay.
How to File a Wage Claim in Iowa
If you believe you are owed overtime pay, follow these steps:
Print and complete a Wage Claim form from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL), available in English or Spanish.
Include details such as employer name and contact information, the amount owed, and hours worked, along with supporting documentation.
Submit the form by mail to the Iowa Division of Labor. Claims must not exceed $6,500.00.
For federal overtime claims, contact the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division at 515-284-4625.
Important Iowa Consideration
Iowa's wage claim process has a $6,500 maximum limit. Claims exceeding this amount must be filed with the federal Wage and Hour Division or pursued through civil court. The state Division of Labor can be reached at 515-725-5619 for assistance with the wage claim process.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Overtime laws can change and may have exceptions not listed here. For specific situations, consult with your employer's HR department, the state labor department, or an employment attorney.