Michigan Overtime Laws
Michigan has its own overtime laws in addition to federal FLSA requirements.
Weekly OT Threshold
40 hrs
Daily OT Threshold
None
Double Time
No
Minimum Wage
$12.48
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:
Executive, administrative, and professional employees
Important Notes
Michigan follows federal weekly overtime rules.
Minimum wage increased to $12.48 on February 21, 2025.
State Labor Department
Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
Phone: (517) 335-0400
https://www.michigan.gov/leo
Michigan Economy and Workforce
Michigan's economy reached approximately $650 billion in Gross State Product in 2025, making it the 14th largest economy in the United States. The state remains the heart of American automotive manufacturing while diversifying into electric vehicles, technology, and healthcare sectors.
Industries with Common Overtime
These Michigan industries frequently involve overtime work situations:
Automotive Manufacturing
With over 1.1 million jobs tied to the automotive sector and 160,000 direct manufacturing employees, assembly line workers, engineers, and production staff frequently work overtime to meet vehicle production demands and model launches.
Healthcare
Michigan's growing healthcare sector serves an aging population, with nurses, aides, and hospital staff commonly working overtime shifts due to staffing shortages and patient care needs.
Advanced Manufacturing
Beyond automotive, Michigan's broader manufacturing sector employs approximately 600,000 workers producing machinery, furniture, and industrial equipment, with overtime common during high-demand periods.
Technology
Emerging tech hubs in Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids employ software developers and IT professionals who often work extended hours on project deadlines and product development cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Under Michigan's Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act (IWOWA), employers must pay 1.5 times your regular pay rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Michigan does not have a daily overtime threshold, so overtime is calculated weekly, not daily.
As of February 21, 2025, Michigan's minimum wage is $12.48 per hour, making the minimum overtime rate $18.72 per hour. The minimum wage will increase to $13.73 in January 2026 and $15.00 in January 2027.
You have 3 years to file a lawsuit for unpaid overtime under Michigan law. However, to file a complaint with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, you must do so within 12 months of the alleged violation. Retaliation claims must be filed within 30 days.
How to File a Wage Claim in Michigan
If you believe you are owed overtime pay, follow these steps:
Document all hours worked and gather pay stubs, time records, and any relevant communications
File an Employment Wage Complaint Form online with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) Wage and Hour Division
Include as much information as possible, including copies of pay statements and detailed records of hours worked
Alternatively, file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor or consult with an employment attorney about filing a civil lawsuit
Important Michigan Consideration
Michigan's minimum wage is undergoing significant scheduled increases through 2027, reaching $15.00 per hour. This means overtime rates will also increase substantially. Workers should be aware that the salary threshold for exempt employees will rise, potentially making more salaried workers eligible for overtime pay.
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.