North Dakota does not permit a subminimum training wage for workers under 20.
Unlike federal law and some neighboring states, North Dakota mandates the full state minimum wage for all workers, regardless of age. There is no special "training wage" for employees under 20 during their first 90 days of employment in North Dakota. This means all employees must be paid at least the prevailing state minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, unless specifically exempted by other state or federal provisions.
ND No Training Wage for Under-20 Workers
North Dakota requires all employees, including those under 20, to be paid at least the full state minimum wage. The federal opportunity wage for youth is not adopted.
What those rules do as a North Dakota shift is created.
When you onboard a new employee in North Dakota, Teambridge automatically ensures their wages comply with state law, irrespective of their age. This means no special considerations for a subminimum "training wage" are applied, ensuring compliance from day one.
Blocks subminimum wage for youth
Teambridge prevents the application of any subminimum training wage for employees under 20, ensuring they are paid the full North Dakota minimum wage of $7.25/hour from their first hour.
Flags federal training wage application
If an attempt is made to apply the federal $4.25/hour training wage for employees under 20, Teambridge will flag this as non-compliant with North Dakota state law and enforce the higher state minimum.
Streamlines onboarding for all ages
By eliminating the complexity of age-based subminimum wages, Teambridge simplifies payroll setup for new hires, ensuring consistent application of North Dakota's minimum wage laws for all employees.
Stop worrying about North Dakota wage rules.
Let Teambridge handle the complexity of state and federal labor laws, so you can focus on your business.
North Dakota requires full minimum wage for all workers, regardless of age.
North Dakota law does not provide for a subminimum "opportunity wage" or "training wage" for employees under 20 years of age, unlike the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) which permits $4.25/hour for the first 90 days. In North Dakota, all workers must receive at least the state minimum wage.
N.D.C.C. § 34-06-22. Minimum wage.
Every employer shall pay to each employee wages at a rate of not less than seven dollars and twenty-five cents per hour, or the prevailing federal minimum wage, whichever is greater, for all hours worked in a pay period. No employer may pay any employee at a wage rate less than that provided in this section.
Distinction from Federal Law
The federal FLSA allows employers to pay workers under 20 years of age a subminimum "opportunity wage" of $4.25 per hour for their first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment. North Dakota law, however, does not adopt this federal provision. Instead, N.D.C.C. § 34-06-22 mandates that all employees, regardless of age, must be paid at least the state minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. This means that even if a worker is under 20 and within their first 90 days, the employer in North Dakota must pay the full $7.25 minimum wage.
Limited Exceptions for Subminimum Wages
While a general training wage for youth is prohibited, North Dakota law does allow for subminimum wages in very specific, limited circumstances, primarily for individuals with disabilities or student learners, provided the employer obtains a special certificate from the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights (ND DLHR). These exceptions are not related to age or initial training periods but rather to specific employment programs or individual worker capabilities.
Teambridge ensures every worker in North Dakota starts at the correct minimum wage.
With Teambridge, you can confidently onboard new staff in North Dakota without worrying about complex age-based wage rules. Our platform automates compliance, guaranteeing that all employees receive the mandated state minimum wage from their very first shift.
Automatic minimum wage assignment
When a new employee is added in North Dakota, Teambridge automatically assigns the current state minimum wage of $7.25/hour, overriding any federal subminimum wage provisions that do not apply.
Guaranteed compliant pay rates
During every payroll cycle, Teambridge verifies that all North Dakota employees are compensated at or above the state minimum wage, ensuring consistent compliance without manual checks.
Detailed wage records
Teambridge maintains comprehensive, audit-ready records of all wage rates and payments, demonstrating adherence to North Dakota's no-training-wage policy for all employees.
People also ask.
Does North Dakota allow a training wage for young workers?
No, North Dakota does not allow a specific training wage for workers under 20. All employees, regardless of age, must be paid at least the state minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
What is the minimum wage in North Dakota for workers under 20?
The minimum wage for workers under 20 in North Dakota is the same as for all other workers: $7.25 per hour, which is the current state minimum wage.
Is the federal opportunity wage applicable in North Dakota?
While the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) permits an opportunity wage of $4.25 per hour for workers under 20 for their first 90 days, North Dakota law does not adopt this provision. North Dakota requires the full state minimum wage for all employees.
Are there any exceptions to the minimum wage in North Dakota?
Yes, limited exceptions for subminimum wages exist for specific categories such as individuals with disabilities or student learners, but these require special certificates from the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights (ND DLHR) and are not based on age or initial training periods.
How does North Dakota's minimum wage for young workers compare to neighboring states?
North Dakota's approach differs from some neighboring states. For example, Idaho allows for a $4.25 training wage for workers under 20. North Dakota's policy ensures all young workers receive the full state minimum wage.
What is the penalty for not paying the correct minimum wage in North Dakota?
Employers who fail to pay the correct minimum wage in North Dakota may be subject to penalties, including back wages, liquidated damages, and civil fines, enforced by the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights.