Expensive labor fines can quickly cut into your pizza restaurant’s profits. Labor law compliance feels like another topping you didn’t ask for. This guide helps you maintain a fair, legal workplace. It protects your business from costly fines. Lavu offers tools to track hours and wages accurately. Learn more at https://lavu.com/demo.
Minimum Wage
Current rate: $7.25 per hour (effective July 24, 2009)
Future changes: No state-mandated future changes are currently scheduled.
- Oklahoma has no state minimum wage law. Federal law applies.
- All employees must get at least the federal minimum wage.
- Tipped employees get a different minimum cash wage.
- Keep accurate records to prove compliance.
Tipped Employees
Tip credit allowed: Yes
Minimum cash wage: $2.13 per hour
Employers can require tip pooling. Only employees who regularly receive tips can join. Managers and owners cannot take part or keep any tips.
- Tell tipped employees about the tip credit rule.
- All tips belong to the employee, unless valid tip pooling happens.
- Ensure cash wage plus tips meets at least $7.25 per hour.
- Employers must pay the difference if tips plus cash wage fall short.
- Track all tipped hours and tips received. This meets compliance.
Compliance Checklist
Post the official federal minimum wage poster in a visible location.
Pay all non-tipped employees at least $7.25 per hour.
Ensure tipped employees receive a minimum cash wage of $2.13 per hour.
Verify that tipped employees’ cash wages plus tips meet or exceed $7.25 per hour for all hours worked.
Pay non-exempt employees 1.5 times their regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek.
Maintain accurate records of all employee hours, wages, and tips for at least three years.
Provide reasonable, private break time for nursing mothers for up to one year after childbirth.
Comply with all child labor laws regarding hours, duties, and work permits for minor staff.
Issue final paychecks on the next regular payday after an employee leaves.
Review and update employee handbooks annually to reflect current labor laws and company policies.
Implement a clear tip-pooling policy if applicable, ensuring only customarily tipped employees participate.
Regularly audit payroll records for accuracy and compliance. Use tools like Marty.
Provide anti-discrimination and anti-harassment training to all staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Oklahoma have its own minimum wage?
No. Oklahoma has no state minimum wage. Federal law applies, setting the minimum wage at $7.25 per hour.
Can I pay my pizza delivery drivers a tipped wage in Oklahoma?
Yes. You can pay delivery drivers the $2.13 per hour tipped minimum wage. Their tips must bring their average hourly earnings to at least $7.25.
Are kitchen staff (e.g., pizza makers, prep cooks) considered tipped employees?
No. Kitchen staff do not directly receive tips. They must get the full federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
Do I need to give employees breaks in Oklahoma?
No. Oklahoma law does not require meal or rest breaks for adult employees. Federal law requires breaks for nursing mothers.
How far in advance do I need to post schedules for my pizza restaurant staff?
Oklahoma has no state predictive scheduling laws. You do not need to give advance schedule notice or pay penalties for changes.
Can managers or owners take a share of tips from pizza servers?
No. Managers and owners cannot join tip pools or keep any employee tips. Tips belong to customarily tipped employees.
What if a tipped employee’s tips do not bring them up to the minimum wage?
The employer must make up the difference. Your pizza restaurant must ensure combined cash wage and tips equal at least $7.25 per hour.
Is overtime required for working more than 8 hours in a day in Oklahoma?
No. Oklahoma overtime is only for hours over 40 in a workweek. State or federal law does not mandate daily overtime.
What records should my pizza restaurant keep for employees?
Keep accurate records of each employee’s name, address, job, pay rate, and daily/weekly hours. Lavu’s Marty helps track these details.
Do I need to provide a uniform for my pizza restaurant employees?
No. Oklahoma law does not require employers to provide uniforms. If a uniform is unique and not street wear, the employer must provide or reimburse for it.
When is an employee’s final paycheck due in Oklahoma?
Final paychecks for departing employees are due on the next regular payday. This applies if an employee quits or is terminated.
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