Rhode Island overtime.
Rhode Island layers its own overtime rules on top of the federal FLSA baseline.
RI
40
hrs
—
—
$15.00
/hr
How Rhode Island calculates overtime.
Weekly overtime
Hours over 40 per workweek paid at 1.5×
Daily overtime
Not required by state law
Double time
Not required by state law
7th consecutive day
No special rule
Calculate your Rhode Island overtime
The weekly timesheet automatically applies RI rules.
Who's outside the rules
These categories of employees may be exempt from the overtime requirements above:
01
Executive, administrative, and professional employees
Rhode Island follows federal weekly overtime rules.
Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training
(401) 462-8000
https://dlt.ri.gov
Rhode Island at a glance
Rhode Island's GDP grew 3.6% in Q3 2024, outpacing both New England and national averages for three consecutive quarters. Education and health services is the state's largest employment sector, reaching historical employment levels in 2024. The state exported a record $3.1 billion in goods in 2024, with chemicals as the largest manufacturing export category at $658 million.
Industries with frequent overtime
Healthcare and Social Services
Hospital and nursing facility workers frequently work overtime in the state's largest employment sector.
Retail and Hospitality
Workers earn premium pay on Sundays and holidays, in addition to regular overtime for exceeding 40 hours weekly.
Manufacturing
Production workers in jewelry, plastics, and chemical manufacturing work overtime during peak demand periods.
Education
Non-exempt education support staff may work overtime during academic year peaks.
Construction
Building trades workers log overtime on development projects across the state.
Rhode Island overtime FAQ
Yes, Rhode Island law requires employers to pay 1.5 times the regular rate for all hours worked on Sundays and state-recognized holidays (New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas). This premium applies regardless of whether the employee exceeds 40 hours that week, and Sunday/holiday work must be voluntary.
As of January 1, 2025, Rhode Island's minimum wage is $15.00 per hour. The overtime rate is $22.50 per hour (1.5 times the minimum wage). For Sunday and holiday work, employees also receive the 1.5 times premium, meaning minimum wage workers earn at least $22.50 per hour on those days.
Rhode Island enacted stricter penalties effective January 1, 2024. If the value of unpaid wages exceeds $1,500, employers may face potential imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of up to $5,000, or both. This applies to all employers regardless of size or revenue.
Filing a wage claim in Rhode Island
If you believe you're owed unpaid overtime, here's what to do — in order.
Formally request the owed wages from your employer in writing before filing a complaint.
Download the Nonpayment of Wages Complaint Form (also available in Spanish) from the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training website.
Complete the fillable PDF form on your computer, adding extra sheets if needed to explain your situation.
Print and mail the completed form to the Department of Labor and Training, Division of Labor Standards at 1511 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, RI 02920.
The DLT will investigate your claim and may bring a complaint in court on your behalf if necessary.
Rhode Island is one of the few states that mandates premium pay for Sunday and holiday work at 1.5 times the regular rate, regardless of total weekly hours. Workers who work overtime and also work on Sundays may effectively earn different premium rates for different portions of their week. For example, a retail worker who works 45 hours including 8 Sunday hours would earn regular rate for 32 weekday hours, 1.5x for 5 overtime hours, and 1.5x for all 8 Sunday hours.
For general education only. Overtime law changes and has exceptions not listed here. For a specific situation, talk to your employer's HR department, the Rhode Island Department of Labor, or an employment attorney.