As Minnesota employers prepare for the new year, key changes to minimum wage rates and Paid Leave posting requirements are set to take effect on January 1, 2026. Staying compliant with these updates is essential for all Minnesota businesses to protect employee rights while avoiding costly penalties.
Minnesota 2026 Minimum Wage Rates
Minnesota’s statewide minimum wage will increase on January 1, 2026, with new rates adjusted for inflation:
- Standard Minnesota minimum wage: $11.41 per hour for all covered employees
- 90-day training wage: $9.31 per hour for workers under the age of 20 during their first 90 consecutive days of employment
Note: Cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul have their own local minimum wage ordinances that require higher pay for work performed within city limits. Employers must follow the rate that applies to the location where work is performed.
Minnesota does not allow a tip credit, meaning employers must pay at least the minimum wage per hour regardless of tips earned.
As part of Minnesota’s employee notice requirement, employers must provide each employee with written notice of any change before it takes effect, including a change to the employee’s rate of pay.
Minnesota Paid Leave Poster Requirement
In addition to wage increases, Minnesota’s Paid Leave law is rolling out in 2026. Under this program, most employers must provide a Paid Leave workplace poster that informs employees of their rights under the new law.
Employers must display the “Minnesota Paid Leave” poster in a conspicuous location where employees can easily see it, and in English or any language spoken by five or more employees or independent contractors.
The new Paid Leave notice, along with the updated Minimum Wage poster, was released by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry and the new laws take effect January 1, 2026.
Action Steps for Minnesota Employers
- Post the New Workplace Notices
Employers must display both:
- The updated 2026 Minnesota Minimum Wage Poster, and
- The new Minnesota Paid Leave Poster
- Review Payroll Practices
Ensure payroll systems are ready to implement the new minimum wage and training wage rules for younger employees.
- Communicate with Employees
Provide written notice of wage changes to employees before the new rates take effect, as required under Minnesota law.
- Plan for Paid Leave Requirements
Become familiar with Minnesota’s Paid Leave law and employee eligibility criteria so you can uphold compliance alongside posting the new notice.
- Stay Informed
Subscribe to a trusted Labor Law Poster Replacement Service to ensure your compliance with all 2026 Minnesota and federal regulations.
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How 
Can Help You
Managing ongoing poster updates and labor law changes can be overwhelming. We provide trusted compliance solutions that include:
- Accurate and Up-to-Date Posters: Our 2026 Minnesota Labor Law Poster includes the new “Minimum Wage” and “Paid Leave” notices as well as all state and federal-mandated labor law posters.
- Automatic Poster Updates: Staying compliant is easy and worry-free with our automatic labor law poster replacement service, which ensures that your business always has the latest posters without requiring you to keep track of updates.
- Physical and Remote Work Compliance: Quality laminated posters and digital resources to support both in-person and remote workforces.
- Customized Compliance Solutions: Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, we provide tailored solutions to meet your compliance needs.
Labor Law Center, an OutSolve Company, is committed to being your partner in workplace labor law compliance. Contact us today to discover why thousands of businesses, of all sizes, place their trust in our labor law compliance solutions.
