Dealing With Unpaid Wages in Minnesota
My employer hasn't paid me — here's what Minnesota law says and what to do next.
Statute: Minn. Stat. § 181.14
Deadline: 5 days
Penalty: Employer may be liable for the unpaid wages plus a penalty equal to the amount of the employee's average daily earnings for each day payment is delayed, up to fifteen (15) days
What is dealing with unpaid wages?
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. Your employer must pay you at least this amount for every hour you work. Many states and cities have higher minimum wages — you're entitled to whichever is higher.
Tipped employees have a lower federal minimum ($2.13/hr), but your tips plus wages must equal at least $7.25/hr. If they don't, your employer must make up the difference.
What to Do If Your Employer Pays Below Minimum Wage
Step 1: Know your rate. Check your state and city minimum wage — it's often higher than the $7.25 federal rate.
Step 2: Calculate your actual hourly pay. Divide your total weekly pay by total hours worked. If it's below the minimum, you have a claim.
Step 3: Document everything. Save pay stubs, schedules, and any records of hours worked.
Step 4: File a complaint. Contact the DOL Wage and Hour Division or your state's labor department. Many employment attorneys handle wage cases on contingency.
How Minnesota differs from federal law
Minnesota has a single statewide minimum wage for all employers (the former large/small employer distinction was eliminated):
- All employers: $11.13/hr (2025), adjusted annually for CPI — increases to $11.41/hr on Jan. 1, 2026
- Minnesota does not allow a tip credit — employers must pay the full minimum wage regardless of tips
- Youth wage (under 18) and 90-day training wage (under 20): $9.09/hr (2025)
- Minneapolis and St. Paul have higher local minimum wages — Minneapolis is $16.37/hr for all employers (2026); St. Paul ranges from $13.25 to $16.37 depending on employer size
Additional steps in Minnesota
File complaints with the Minnesota DLI at (651) 284-5070 or dli.mn.gov. For Minneapolis, contact the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights at (612) 673-3012.
What you should NOT do
Don't accept illegal deductions. Your employer cannot deduct for cash register shortages, breakage, or uniforms if it would bring your pay below minimum wage.
Don't ignore tip credit violations. If you're a tipped employee and your tips + base pay don't reach $7.25/hr, your employer must pay the difference.
Don't sign away your rights. Any agreement to work for less than minimum wage is unenforceable under federal law.
Don't wait — the clock is ticking.
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Generate your unpaid wages →This page is general legal information for Minnesota, not legal advice for your specific situation. Laws change, and how a statute applies depends on facts we don't know. For advice on your matter, consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.