This toolkit provides resources to help employers understand their basic responsibilities under federal labor laws enforced and administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD). Some states have labor laws that afford workers additional rights and protections; employers must comply with both federal and state laws.
If you discover past wage or leave mistakes, the PAID program may be able to help.
What you should know
Here are some key things construction employers need to understand:
- For a worker to be protected by the minimum wage and overtime pay requirements of the FLSA, the worker must be an “employee” of the employer, meaning that there is an employment relationship between the worker and employer.
- Every employer covered by the FLSA must keep certain records for each non-exempt worker, including data about hours worked and wages earned.
Learn more about how the FLSA applies to the construction industry.
- Construction industry under the FLSA
- Construction workers and Part 541 exemptions under the FLSA
- Child labor laws for nonagricultural jobs
Still need more guidance? Ask us. WHD provides guidance on how laws apply to specific workplace situations. Request an Opinion Letter.
Here are additional tips and resources to understand your responsibilities as a construction employer.
How to Get More Information
If you have questions or need additional information, contact us online or call 1-866-487-9243 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. in your time zone.
Last updated on September 9, 2025.