{"id":187,"date":"2023-04-03T15:27:03","date_gmt":"2023-04-03T15:27:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/learn\/?p=187"},"modified":"2026-07-29T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T00:00:00","slug":"break-laws","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/learn\/de\/business-management\/break-laws\/","title":{"rendered":"Break Laws by State in the US \u2014 Employer\u2019s Guide (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">Employees aren\u2019t required to take breaks according to federal law. However, some US states have their own laws that mandate employers provide rest and\/or meal breaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">In this article, we\u2019ll examine how federal and state break laws affect employers and employees in the US.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list key-takeaways\">\n<li class=\"translation-block\">Federal law doesn\u2019t require employers to provide meal or rest breaks to their employees.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"translation-block\">Employers who offer meal breaks lasting less than 20 minutes must consider them compensable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"translation-block\">Breaks that exceed 20 minutes are not considered compensable under federal law.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"translation-block\">Many states have established their own break regulations for lunch and meal breaks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"translation-block\">In the US, there are usually 4 types of breaks: meal, rest, minor, and miscellaneous (other).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>*Note: The information regarding break laws and regulations by state has been checked and updated for 2026.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"what-are-break-laws\" class=\"wp-block-heading translation-block\">What are break laws?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">Break laws define when and how employees can use work breaks during their work. Although break regulations are determined at the federal and state levels, employers can decide whether to offer breaks and how long they will last \u2014 as long as they cover the minimum breaks mandated by state laws.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Minimum-break-requirements-by-state-US.webp\" alt=\"Minimum\u00a0break\u00a0requirements\u00a0by\u00a0state\u00a0(US)\" class=\"wp-image-6693\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group pro-tip\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\ud83d\udca1 CLOCKIFY PRO TIP<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re wondering how to handle employees missing shifts without any explanation, read this article:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"translation-block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/business\/no-call-no-show\/\">How To Handle No-Call No-Show Cases for Stable Revenue<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"federal-break-laws-vs-state-break-laws\" class=\"wp-block-heading translation-block\">Federal break laws vs. state break laws<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dol.gov\/agencies\/whd\/flsa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)<\/a> doesn\u2019t require employers to provide <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dol.gov\/general\/topic\/workhours\/breaks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">lunch or coffee breaks<\/a> to employees. Federal laws apply in every US state <strong>only if no state law offers better benefits to employees<\/strong>. If that\u2019s the case, the state law will take precedence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">Although federal law doesn\u2019t mandate breaks, if the employer offers them, they <strong>must be paid if they<\/strong> <strong>last less than 20 minutes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">Moreover, the break time is counted towards hours worked and will be considered when determining any potential overtime the employee accrues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">Federal regulations don\u2019t consider meal periods (which \u200b\u200busually last at least 30 minutes) as work time, and employees <strong>aren\u2019t compensated<\/strong> for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">According to the federal <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dol.gov\/agencies\/whd\/pump-at-work\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PUMP Act<\/a>, breastfeeding employees are entitled to take reasonable breaks to express milk for up to 1 year after the child\u2019s birth. Employees must be provided a clean, shielded space for pumping milk other than a bathroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group pro-tip\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\ud83d\udca1 CLOCKIFY PRO TIP<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">Need more information about the labor laws in your state? Check out our detailed labor laws guides by state:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"translation-block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/state-labor-laws\/\">State Labor Laws Guides<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"how-many-breaks-are-required-by-law-in-an-8-hour-shift\" class=\"wp-block-heading translation-block\">How many breaks are required by law in an 8-hour shift?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">Federal law doesn\u2019t require any breaks in an 8-hour shift. However, some states mandate breaks. In Rhode Island, employees working 8-hour shifts must be provided a 30-minute unpaid meal break. Oregon employees must receive a 30-minute unpaid meal break after working 6 consecutive hours, and 2 paid rest periods of 10 minutes for 8-hour shifts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">Clockify by CAKE.com allows you to track work and <a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/help\/track-time-and-expenses\/breaks-web\">break time<\/a> easily. To track a break, simply switch the timer to <em>Break mode<\/em> and click <em>Start break<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video aligncenter\"><video height=\"374\" style=\"aspect-ratio: 720 \/ 374;\" width=\"720\" autoplay loop muted src=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Tracking-breaks-in-Clockify.mp4\" playsinline><\/video><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tracking breaks in Clockify<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">After that, you&#8217;ll be able to see the exact time of all logged breaks, allowing you to stay compliant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"custom-btn translation-block wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.clockify.me\/en\/signup\">Track work hours and breaks<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"are-15-minute-breaks-required-by-law\" class=\"wp-block-heading translation-block\">Are 15-minute breaks required by law?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">Federal law doesn\u2019t require employers to provide 15-minute breaks. However, some specific states have laws in place that mandate rest breaks. For example, in New Hampshire and Utah, employers must allow employees to take 15-minute rest breaks for every 4 consecutive hours worked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"break-laws-by-state\" class=\"wp-block-heading translation-block\">Break laws by state<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">Break laws differ across US states, and they\u2019re usually classified into 4 categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"translation-block\">Meal breaks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"translation-block\">Rest breaks&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"translation-block\">Minor breaks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"translation-block\">Other breaks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">Take a look at the table below to get all the information you need regarding rest and lunch break laws by state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table translation-block\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>State<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Meal break<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Rest break<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Breaks for minors<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Other breaks<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/labor.alabama.gov\/Wage_and_Hour_Info.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Alabama<\/a><\/td><td>Not required by state law; federal rules apply.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>\/<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<br><br>According to federal law, breastfeeding employees are entitled to take reasonable breaks to pump at work for 1 year after the child\u2019s birth.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/labor.alaska.gov\/lss\/whfaq.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Alaska<\/a><\/td><td>Not required by state law; federal rules apply.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>A break of at least 30 minutes after working more than 5 straight hours for 14- to 17-year-olds.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<br><br>According to federal law, breastfeeding employees are entitled to take reasonable breaks to pump at work for 1 year after the child\u2019s birth.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.azleg.gov\/legtext\/57leg\/2R\/bills\/hb2466p.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Arizona<\/a><\/td><td>A 30-minute unpaid meal break when working more than 5 hours in a day, and another 30-minute unpaid meal break when working more than 12 hours in a day.<\/td><td>A paid 10-minute break for every 4 hours worked.<\/td><td>\/<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<br><br>According to federal law, breastfeeding employees are entitled to take reasonable breaks to pump at work for 1 year after the child\u2019s birth.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/labor.arkansas.gov\/resources\/faqs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Arkansas<\/a><\/td><td>Not required by state law; federal rules apply.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>Required for minors under 16 working in entertainment \u2014 the break duration is up to the employer.<\/td><td>The employer can require that the employee take a <a href=\"https:\/\/labor.arkansas.gov\/labor\/labor-standards\/nursing-mothers-breaks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">lactation break<\/a> during rest and meal breaks, if provided.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dir.ca.gov\/smallbusiness\/Wages-Breaks-and-Retaliation.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">California<\/a><\/td><td>A 30-minute unpaid meal break if an employee works for more than 5 consecutive hours, and an additional 30-minute unpaid meal period if the shift lasts for more than 10 hours.<\/td><td>A 10-minute rest period for every 4 hours worked.<\/td><td>\/<\/td><td>The employer can require that the employee take a lactation break during rest and meal breaks, if possible. If the employee takes a separate break to express milk, the break need not be paid.<br><br>Outdoor workers must be allowed additional breaks to cool off when working in the heat.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/cdle.colorado.gov\/sites\/cdle\/files\/info_%234_meal_and_rest_periods_09.15.25.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Colorado<\/a><\/td><td>A 30-minute unpaid meal break if an employee works for more than 5 consecutive hours.<\/td><td>A 10-minute rest period for every 4 hours worked.<\/td><td>\/<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<br><br>According to federal law, breastfeeding employees are entitled to take reasonable breaks to pump at work for 1 year after the child\u2019s birth.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cga.ct.gov\/PS98\/rpt%5Colr%5Chtm\/98-R-1197.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Connecticut<\/a><\/td><td>A 30-minute unpaid meal break if an employee works for more than 7.5 consecutive hours. <br><br>Exceptions:<br>\u2013 If only one employee can perform the necessary duties.<br>\u2013 If the break creates a threat to public safety measures.<br>\u2013 If the operation requires that employees be available to respond to urgent matters.<br>\u2013 If the employer has fewer than 5 employees on a shift.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>\/<\/td><td>Breastfeeding employees are entitled to <a href=\"https:\/\/portal.ct.gov\/governor\/news\/press-releases\/2026\/05-2026\/governor-lamont-signs-legislation-protecting-workers-rights?language=en_US\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reasonable break time to express milk<\/a>, separate from meal and rest breaks.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/regulations.delaware.gov\/AdminCode\/title19\/1000\/1300\/1320\/1327.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Delaware<\/a><\/td><td>A 30-minute unpaid meal break if an employee works for more than 7.5 consecutive hours.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>A 30-minute unpaid meal break for minor employees for every 5 consecutive hours.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<br><br>According to federal law, breastfeeding employees are entitled to take reasonable breaks to pump at work for 1 year after the child\u2019s birth.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/oag.dc.gov\/worker-rights\/wage-and-hour-laws\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">District of Columbia<\/a><\/td><td>Not required by state law; federal rules apply.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>\/<\/td><td>The employer must provide <a href=\"https:\/\/dchealth.dc.gov\/service\/breastfeeding-workplace\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reasonable daily breaks<\/a> for breastfeeding employees to express milk.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/pinellas.gov\/breaks-and-meal-periods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Florida<\/a><\/td><td>Not required by state law; federal rules apply.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>A 30-minute meal break for minor employees for every 4 consecutive hours worked.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<br><br>According to federal law, breastfeeding employees are entitled to take reasonable breaks to pump at work for 1 year after the child\u2019s birth.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/dol.georgia.gov\/breaks-and-meals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Georgia<\/a><\/td><td>Not required by state law; federal rules apply.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>\/<\/td><td>Mandatory <a href=\"https:\/\/hr.lehigh.edu\/sites\/hr.lehigh.edu\/files\/Georgia%20Lactation%20Law.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">paid lactation breaks<\/a> for a reasonable amount of time.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/labor.hawaii.gov\/wsd\/breaks-meal-rest\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hawaii<\/a><\/td><td>Not required by state law; federal rules apply.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>A 30-minute paid meal break for employees aged 14 and 15 for every 5 consecutive hours worked.<\/td><td>Unpaid lactation breaks are mandatory for businesses with more than 50 employees. If there are fewer than 50 employees, it\u2019s up to the employer to decide whether they will give a lactation break (unspecified amount of time).<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.labor.idaho.gov\/businesses\/labor-laws\/labor-laws-faq\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Idaho<\/a><\/td><td>Not required by state law; federal rules apply.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>\/<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<br><br>According to federal law, breastfeeding employees are entitled to take reasonable breaks to pump at work for 1 year after the child\u2019s birth.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/labor.illinois.gov\/employees.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Illinois<\/a><\/td><td>A meal break of at least 20 minutes for employees who work 7.5-hour shifts, and an additional 20-minute meal break for shifts of 12 or more hours.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>A meal break of at least 30 minutes for <a href=\"https:\/\/labor.illinois.gov\/laws-rules\/fls\/child-labor-law-compliance.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">employees under the age of 16<\/a> for every 5 consecutive hours worked.<\/td><td>Mandatory <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ilga.gov\/legislation\/PublicActs\/View\/104-0076\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">paid lactation breaks<\/a> for a reasonable amount of time.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/faqs.in.gov\/hc\/en-us\/articles\/115005044387-Is-there-any-information-regarding-Indiana-lunch-or-breaks-laws\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Indiana<\/a><\/td><td>Not required by state law; federal rules apply.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>All Indiana minors are entitled to 1 or 2 rest breaks that total at least 30 minutes if they work more than 6 consecutive hours.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<br><br>According to federal law, breastfeeding employees are entitled to take reasonable breaks to pump at work for 1 year after the child\u2019s birth.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/dial.iowa.gov\/i-need\/claims\/how-do-i-wage-claim\/wage-claims-faq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Iowa<\/a><\/td><td>Not required by state law; federal rules apply.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>A 30-minute meal break for employees younger than 16 for every 5 consecutive hours worked.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<br><br>According to federal law, breastfeeding employees are entitled to take reasonable breaks to pump at work for 1 year after the child\u2019s birth.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dol.ks.gov\/employers\/workplace-laws\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kansas<\/a><\/td><td>Not required by state law; federal rules apply.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>\/<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<br><br>According to federal law, breastfeeding employees are entitled to take reasonable breaks to pump at work for 1 year after the child\u2019s birth.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/apps.legislature.ky.gov\/law\/statutes\/statute.aspx?id=49845\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kentucky<\/a><\/td><td>Employees are entitled to a <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.legislature.ky.gov\/law\/statutes\/statute.aspx?id=32077\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reasonable meal period<\/a>.<\/td><td>A rest break of at least 10 minutes for every 4 hours worked.<\/td><td>A 30-minute meal break for <a href=\"https:\/\/elc.ky.gov\/workplace-standards\/Pages\/Wages-and-Hours.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">minor employees<\/a> for every 5 consecutive hours worked.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<br><br>According to federal law, breastfeeding employees are entitled to take reasonable breaks to pump at work for 1 year after the child\u2019s birth.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/legis.la.gov\/legis\/Law.aspx?p=y&amp;d=83835\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Louisiana<\/a><\/td><td>Not required by state law; federal rules apply.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>A 30-minute meal break for minor employees for every 5 consecutive hours worked.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<br><br>According to federal law, breastfeeding employees are entitled to take reasonable breaks to pump at work for 1 year after the child\u2019s birth.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.maine.gov\/labor\/labor_laws\/employeerightsguide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Maine<\/a><\/td><td>Not required by state law; federal rules apply.<\/td><td>A 30-minute unpaid break after working for 6 consecutive hours.<\/td><td>\/<\/td><td>The employer must provide <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mainelegislature.org\/legis\/statutes\/26\/title26sec604.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reasonable unpaid break time to breastfeeding employees<\/a> or allow them to express milk during paid break time in privacy at a location other than a bathroom for up to 3 years after the child\u2019s birth.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/labor.maryland.gov\/labor\/wagepay\/wpbreaks.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Maryland<\/a><\/td><td>Not required by state law; federal rules apply.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>A 30-minute break for minor employees for every 5 consecutive hours worked.<\/td><td>The employer is required to provide breaks to employees who work in a <a href=\"https:\/\/labor.maryland.gov\/labor\/wages\/essguide.shtml#shift\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">retail establishment<\/a>.<br><br>According to federal law, breastfeeding employees are entitled to take reasonable breaks to pump at work for 1 year after the child\u2019s birth.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/guides\/breaks-and-time-off\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Massachusetts<\/a><\/td><td>An unpaid meal break of at least 30 minutes for working more than 6 hours a day.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>\/<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<br><br>According to federal law, breastfeeding employees are entitled to take reasonable breaks to pump at work for 1 year after the child\u2019s birth.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/leo\/bureaus-agencies\/ber\/wage-and-hour\/frequently-asked-questions\/wage-and-hour\/breaks-meal-and-rest-periods\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Michigan<\/a><\/td><td>Not required by state law; federal rules apply.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>A 30-minute break period for minor employees for every 5 consecutive hours worked.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<br><br>According to federal law, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mdhhs\/-\/media\/Project\/Websites\/mdhhs\/Assistance-Programs\/WIC-Media\/The-PUMP-for-Nursing-Mothers-Act_What-You-Should-Know.pdf?rev=b3bd9a55d5174e40be0df94f050fc1d6&amp;hash=EDE1058D518F2904D4D3D664EA956F5F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">breastfeeding employees<\/a> are entitled to take reasonable breaks to pump at work for 1 year after the child\u2019s birth.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dli.mn.gov\/breaks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Minnesota<\/a><\/td><td>When working 6 or more consecutive hours, employees must be allowed a meal break of at least 30 minutes.<\/td><td>Every 4 consecutive hours worked, employees must be allowed to take a rest break of at least 15 minutes. All breaks that take 20 minutes or less must be paid.<\/td><td>\/<\/td><td>The employer is required to provide a reasonable amount of time to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.revisor.mn.gov\/statutes\/cite\/181.939\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">breastfeeding employees<\/a> to express milk at work without any pay reduction.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dfa.ms.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/Human%20Resources%20Home\/Forms%2C%20Policies%20and%20Resources\/HR%20Forms\/flsa-information-for-dfa.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mississippi<\/a><\/td><td>Not required by state law; federal rules apply.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>\/<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<br><br>According to federal law, breastfeeding employees are entitled to take reasonable breaks to pump at work for 1 year after the child\u2019s birth.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/labor.mo.gov\/dls\/general\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Missouri<\/a><\/td><td>Not required by state law; federal rules apply.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>Employers aren\u2019t required to provide breaks to youth workers \u2014 except for youth workers in the entertainment industry.&nbsp;Youth workers in the entertainment industry can\u2019t work more than 5.5 hours without a meal break, and are entitled to a 15-minute break after every 2 hours of continuous work.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<br><br>According to federal law, <a href=\"https:\/\/mobreastfeeding.org\/breastfeeding-laws\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">breastfeeding employees<\/a> are entitled to take reasonable breaks to pump at work for 1 year after the child\u2019s birth.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/erd.dli.mt.gov\/labor-standards\/wage-and-hour-payment-act\/wage-and-hour-faq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Montana<\/a><\/td><td>Not required by state law; federal rules apply.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>\/<\/td><td>The employer can require that the employee take a <a href=\"https:\/\/mca.legmt.gov\/bills\/mca\/title_0390\/chapter_0020\/part_0020\/section_0170\/0390-0020-0020-0170.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">lactation break<\/a> during rest and meal breaks, if provided.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/nebraskalegislature.gov\/laws\/statutes.php?statute=48-212\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nebraska<\/a><\/td><td>Not required by state law; federal rules apply.<br><br>Exception: workers in workshops, manufacturing plants, and assembly lines must be provided a <a href=\"https:\/\/nebraskalegislature.gov\/laws\/statutes.php?statute=48-212\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">30-minute unpaid meal break<\/a> when working 8-hour shifts.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>\/<\/td><td>Employees in mechanical establishments, workshops, and assembly plants are entitled to a 30-minute break for every 8 consecutive hours worked.<br><br>According to federal law, breastfeeding employees are entitled to take reasonable breaks to pump at work for 1 year after the child\u2019s birth.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/labor.nv.gov\/uploadedFiles\/labornvgov\/content\/Employer\/Meals%20and%20Rest%20Periods.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nevada<\/a><\/td><td>A 30-minute unpaid meal break for employees working 8 continuous hours.<\/td><td>10-minute paid breaks every 4 hours of work.<\/td><td>\/<\/td><td>Breastfeeding employees are entitled to take <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.nv.us\/NRS\/NRS-281.html#NRS281Sec755\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reasonable breaks<\/a> to pump at work for 1 year after the child\u2019s birth.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dol.nh.gov\/resource-center\/frequently-asked-questions\/wages-and-work-hours-faqs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">New Hampshire<\/a><\/td><td>A 30-minute unpaid meal break for employees working 5 continuous hours.<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.das.nh.gov\/rules\/ToC\/CHAPTER_Per_1200.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">15-minute paid rest breaks<\/a> for every 4 consecutive hours worked.<\/td><td>\/<\/td><td>Breastfeeding employees are entitled to take <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanrights.nh.gov\/types-discrimination\/employment-discrimination\/pregnancy-discrimination\/nursing-lactation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reasonable breaks<\/a> to pump at work for 1 year after the child\u2019s birth.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nj.gov\/labor\/wageandhour\/support\/faqs\/wageandhouremployerfaqs.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">New Jersey<\/a><\/td><td>Not required by state law; federal rules apply.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>A 30-minute meal break for minor employees for every 5 consecutive hours.<\/td><td>The employer must provide <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nj.gov\/oag\/dcr\/downloads\/fact_BRST.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reasonable break time to breastfeeding employees<\/a> or allow them to express milk during paid break time in privacy at a location other than a bathroom.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>New Mexico<\/td><td>Not required by state law; federal rules apply.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>\/<\/td><td>The employer must provide <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nmwic.org\/breastfeeding\/breastfeeding-resources\/nm-breastfeeding-laws-and-returning-back-to-work-or-school\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reasonable break time to breastfeeding employees<\/a> or allow them to express milk during paid break time in privacy at a location other than a bathroom.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/dol.ny.gov\/day-rest-and-meal-periods\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">New York<\/a><\/td><td>An unpaid meal break of at least 30 minutes for more than 6 hours worked.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>\/<\/td><td>A <a href=\"https:\/\/dol.ny.gov\/expressing-breast-milk-workplace\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">30-minute paid lactation break<\/a> for breastfeeding employees for up to 3 years after the child\u2019s birth.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.labor.nc.gov\/workplace-rights\/employee-rights-regarding-time-worked-and-wages-earned\/what-know-about-breaks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">North Carolina<\/a><\/td><td>Not required by state law; federal rules apply.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>A break of at least 30 minutes for employees under the age of 16 after 5 consecutive hours worked.<\/td><td>Breastfeeding employees are entitled to take <a href=\"https:\/\/oshr.nc.gov\/documents\/lactation-support-policy\/open\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reasonable breaks<\/a> to pump at work.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nd.gov\/labor\/wage-and-hour-faq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">North Dakota<\/a><\/td><td>A 30-minute unpaid break when an employee has been working for 5 continuous hours, and there are 2 or more employees on duty.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>\/<\/td><td>Breastfeeding employees are entitled to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hhs.nd.gov\/health\/children\/breastfeeding\/breastfeeding-laws\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reasonable and flexible break times<\/a> to express milk at work.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.ohio.gov\/ohio-administrative-code\/rule-3352-5-06\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ohio<\/a><\/td><td>A 30-minute unpaid meal break for employees working 8.5-hour shifts.<\/td><td>Employees are allowed 2 rest periods up to 15 minutes when working 8-hour shifts.<\/td><td>A 30-minute break for <a href=\"https:\/\/dam.assets.ohio.gov\/image\/upload\/com.ohio.gov\/documents\/laws_MLLPoster.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">minor employees<\/a> who work 5 continuous hours a day.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<br><br>According to federal law, breastfeeding employees are entitled to take reasonable breaks to pump at work for 1 year after the child\u2019s birth.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/oklahoma.gov\/labor\/workplace-rights\/wage-hour\/faqs---wage-and-hour.html#:~:text=Are%20breaks%20and%20lunch%20periods,the%20discretion%20of%20the%20employer.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Oklahoma<\/a><\/td><td>Not required by state law; federal rules apply.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/oklahoma.gov\/labor\/workplace-rights\/child-labor\/faqs---child-labor-unit.html#accordion-57542e0f1b-item-4f35421030\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Employees under 16<\/a> must be provided a 30-minute break for every 5 hours worked or a 1-hour break for every 8 hours worked.<\/td><td>The employer must provide <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oscn.net\/applications\/oscn\/deliverdocument.asp?id=486892&amp;hits=342+341+334+333+324+323\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reasonable break time to breastfeeding employees<\/a> or allow them to express milk at a clean, shielded location other than a bathroom.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oregon.gov\/boli\/workers\/pages\/meals-and-breaks.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Oregon<\/a><\/td><td>A 30-minute unpaid break for 6 or more hours of work, and additional meal periods for employees who work 14-hour shifts.<\/td><td>2 paid 10-minute rest breaks for 8-hour work periods.<\/td><td>Same as adults for meal breaks for 16- and 17-year-olds, while 14- and 15-year-olds must be provided a meal break and 15-minute rest breaks instead of 10-minute breaks.<\/td><td>The employer must provide <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oregon.gov\/boli\/workers\/pages\/breaks-to-express-breast-milk.aspx\">reasonable break time to breastfeeding employees<\/a> or allow them to express milk at a shielded location other than a bathroom until the child is 18 months old.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pa.gov\/agencies\/dli\/resources\/compliance-laws-and-regulations\/labor-management-relations\/pennsylvania-s-minimum-wage-act\/wage-faqs\">Pennsylvania<\/a><\/td><td>Not required by state law; federal rules apply.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>A 30-minute break for minor employees who work 5 or more consecutive hours.<\/td><td>The employer must provide <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pa.gov\/content\/dam\/copapwp-pagov\/en\/oa\/documents\/policies\/hr\/ws001.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reasonable break time to breastfeeding employees<\/a> or allow them to express milk at a shielded location other than a bathroom until the child is 2 years old.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/dlt.ri.gov\/regulation-and-safety\/labor-standards\/labor-standards-faq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rhode Island<\/a><\/td><td>An unpaid 20-minute break for employees working 6-hour shifts and a 30-minute break for employees working 8-hour shifts.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>\/<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<br><br>According to federal law, breastfeeding employees are entitled to take <a href=\"https:\/\/health.ri.gov\/breastfeeding\/information\/breastfeeding-information-employers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reasonable breaks<\/a> to pump at work for 1 year after the child\u2019s birth.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/llr.sc.gov\/wage\/faq.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">South Carolina<\/a><\/td><td>Not required by state law; federal rules apply.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>\/<\/td><td>The employer must provide <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scbreastfeeds.org\/legal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reasonable unpaid break time<\/a> to breastfeeding employees or allow them to express milk in privacy at a location other than a bathroom for up to 1 year after the child\u2019s birth.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/dlr.sd.gov\/employment_laws\/work_breaks.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">South Dakota<\/a><\/td><td>Not required by state law; federal rules apply.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>\/<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<br><br>According to federal law, breastfeeding employees are entitled to take <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sd.gov\/cs?id=kb_article_view&amp;sysparm_article=KB0041214&amp;sys_kb_id=3319b28087d98e106093bbf6cebb350c&amp;spa=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reasonable breaks<\/a> to pump at work for 1 year after the child\u2019s birth.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tn.gov\/content\/dam\/tn\/hr\/documents\/ALManual.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tennessee<\/a><\/td><td>A 1-hour unpaid meal break.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>\/<\/td><td>Breastfeeding employees are entitled to additional breaks to pump at work.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/efte.twc.texas.gov\/flsa_does_and_doesnt_do.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Texas<\/a><\/td><td>Not required by state law; federal rules apply.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>\/<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<br><br>According to federal law, breastfeeding employees are entitled to take reasonable breaks to pump at work for 1 year after the child\u2019s birth.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/adminrules.utah.gov\/public\/rule\/R477-8\/Current%20Rules\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Utah<\/a><\/td><td>An unpaid meal break of at least 30 minutes for each full-time workday.<\/td><td>A 15-minute rest break for every 4 hours worked.<\/td><td>A 30-minute break within the first 5 hours of the work shift, and a 10-minute break for every 4 consecutive hours worked.<\/td><td>Breastfeeding employees are entitled to daily break periods to pump at work for 1 year after the child\u2019s birth.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/legislature.vermont.gov\/statutes\/section\/21\/005\/00304\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Vermont<\/a><\/td><td>A reasonable time for a <a href=\"https:\/\/legislature.vermont.gov\/statutes\/section\/21\/005\/00304\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">meal break<\/a> must be provided.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>\/<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<br><br>According to federal law, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthvermont.gov\/family\/infants-young-children\/breastfeeding-laws\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">breastfeeding employees<\/a> are entitled to take reasonable breaks to pump at work for 1 year after the child\u2019s birth.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dhrm.virginia.gov\/docs\/default-source\/hrpolicy\/pol1_25hoursofwork.pdf?sfvrsn=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Virginia<\/a><\/td><td>A break of at least 30 minutes for employees working 6 consecutive hours.<\/td><td>Managers may permit employees to take one 15-minute rest break before and another 15-minute rest break after the mandatory lunch period.<\/td><td>A 30-minute break for <a href=\"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/admincodefull\/title16\/agency15\/chapter40\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">minors under the age of 16<\/a> who work for 5 consecutive hours.<\/td><td>Breastfeeding employees are entitled to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.doli.virginia.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/OUTREACH_INFO-SHEET_PREGNANCY-DISCN-PROVISIONS_2020-07-17_FINAL.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">longer or more frequent breaks<\/a> to express milk at work at a private location other than a bathroom.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lni.wa.gov\/workers-rights\/workplace-policies\/rest-breaks-meal-periods-and-schedules\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Washington<\/a><\/td><td>Employees working shifts longer than 5 hours are entitled to an unpaid meal break of at least 30 minutes. If hours worked exceed the scheduled shift by at least 3 hours, employees must be given an additional 30-minute meal break within 5 hours from the end of the first meal break.<\/td><td>A break of at least 10 minutes after working for 4 consecutive hours.<\/td><td>Employees who are 16 and 17 years old must receive a meal break of at least 30 minutes after 5 consecutive hours worked, and at least a 10-minute rest break if the shift is longer than 4 hours.<br><br>Employees under 16 need to be provided a meal break of at least 30 minutes for 4 consecutive hours worked, and a minimum 10-minute rest break. They must not work for more than 2 hours without receiving a meal or rest break.<\/td><td>Breastfeeding employees are entitled to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.atg.wa.gov\/pregnancy-and-breastfeeding-accommodations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">longer or more frequent breaks to express milk at work<\/a> at a private location other than a bathroom for up to 2 years after the child&#8217;s birth.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/labor.wv.gov\/media\/84\/download?inline\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">West Virginia<\/a><\/td><td>A meal break of at least 20 minutes for employees who work 6 or more hours a day. If the break doesn\u2019t exceed 20 minutes, it must be paid.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>\/<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<br><br>According to federal law, breastfeeding employees are entitled to take <a href=\"https:\/\/wrc.wvu.edu\/resources\/work-life-policies\/lactation-breast-feeding-policy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reasonable breaks<\/a> to pump at work for 1 year after the child\u2019s birth.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/dwd.wisconsin.gov\/er\/laborstandards\/breaks.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wisconsin<\/a><\/td><td>Not required by state law; federal rules apply.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>Minor employees are entitled to a 30-minute meal break for every 6 consecutive hours of work.<\/td><td>Breastfeeding employees are entitled to a break to pump at work for 1 year after the child\u2019s birth (unspecified amount of time).<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/dws.wyo.gov\/dws-division\/labor-standards\/employers\/faq\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wyoming<\/a><\/td><td>Not required by state law; federal rules apply.<\/td><td>Federal rules apply.<\/td><td>\/<\/td><td>Breastfeeding employees are entitled to take <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.legis.wisconsin.gov\/2023\/related\/proposals\/ab436.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reasonable breaks<\/a> to pump at work for 1 year after the child\u2019s birth.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"track-employee-breaks-and-work-hours-with-clockify-by-cake-com\" class=\"wp-block-heading translation-block\">Track employee breaks and work hours with Clockify by CAKE.com<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">Giving your employees breaks is a great way to <a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/productivity\/increase-productivity\/\">boost their productivity<\/a> and morale. If you decide to do so, you should track those breaks accordingly to avoid procrastination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">Clockify\u2019s Kiosk helps you track employee breaks by allowing employees to clock in and out of work or start a break. All time entries are automatically saved and can later be used to <a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/calculating-payroll-hours-worked\">calculate payroll<\/a> and track work hours.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1001\" src=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Clockify-Kiosk-1.webp\" alt=\"Clockify Kiosk\" class=\"wp-image-6691\" srcset=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Clockify-Kiosk-1.webp 1200w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Clockify-Kiosk-1-300x250.webp 300w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Clockify-Kiosk-1-1024x854.webp 1024w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Clockify-Kiosk-1-768x641.webp 768w, https:\/\/clockify.me\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Clockify-Kiosk-1-14x12.webp 14w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Clockify Kiosk<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">Every employee gets a unique PIN code or QR code they can use to easily clock in\/out, start a break, or switch between projects. Photo capture, when enabled, <strong>prevents buddy punching<\/strong>, ensuring the employee returned from their break on time, without violating the break rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">But the Kiosk isn&#8217;t the only way to track work and break time in Clockify. For instance, users can use the Timer or Manual mode. To speed up time tracking, here are a few web app shortcuts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"translation-block\"><strong>N <\/strong>\u2014 to start the timer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"translation-block\"><strong>S<\/strong> \u2014 to stop the timer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"translation-block\"><strong>C <\/strong>\u2014 to continue tracking time on the latest entry<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"translation-block\"><strong>M<\/strong> \u2014 to switch to manual mode<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Time Tracking Shortcuts in Clockify | Clockify Tutorial (2026)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pi4luP9_aQQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">Regardless of the time tracking method used, employees can always <a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/help\/track-time-and-expenses\/submit-time-expenses-for-approval\">submit tracked time for approval<\/a>. Even if an employee forgets to track a mandatory break and the manager has already approved the weekly timesheet, the admin can withdraw approval to ensure the records reflect legal break compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"custom-btn translation-block wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.clockify.me\/en\/signup\">Get started with Clockify<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"frequently-asked-questions-about-break-laws-in-the-us\" class=\"wp-block-heading translation-block\">Frequently asked questions about break laws in the US<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">For more information about US break laws, check out this FAQ section, where we answer the most common questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"are-breaks-legally-required-in-the-us\" class=\"wp-block-heading translation-block\">Are breaks legally required in the US?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">Employers in federally governed US states <strong>aren\u2019t legally required <\/strong>to offer breaks to their employees. If they choose to do so, they must adhere to federal policies and pay for the breaks if they last less than 20 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">If the state in question has its own break laws that offer better benefits to the employees, employers are legally required to adhere to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"how-long-is-a-work-lunch-break\" class=\"wp-block-heading translation-block\">How long is a work lunch break?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">There are no federal work break laws regarding the duration of lunch breaks. Most states that require meal breaks mandate that they be 30 minutes or more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"do-lunch-breaks-count-as-working-hours\" class=\"wp-block-heading translation-block\">Do lunch breaks count as working hours?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">If the work lunch break lasts 20 minutes or less, the break should be paid, according to federal law. If the employee works more than scheduled, this time will <a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/workforce-management\/how-to-calculate-overtime\/\">count toward overtime<\/a>. Non-exempt employees must receive overtime pay in this case to ensure overtime compliance. This doesn\u2019t apply to exempt employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">Whether an exempt employee is entitled to a meal or rest break depends on state laws and the specific employer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"how-long-can-you-work-without-a-break\" class=\"wp-block-heading translation-block\">How long can you work without a break?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">Federal law doesn\u2019t require employers to provide breaks for employees. Therefore, if no state law requires breaks, employees can work the entire shift without a break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"what-states-require-breaks\" class=\"wp-block-heading translation-block\">What states require breaks?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">US states that legally require employers to provide meal and\/or rest breaks to their employees are: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"what-happens-if-employers-violate-break-laws\" class=\"wp-block-heading translation-block\">What happens if employers violate break laws?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">Employers who violate break laws are subject to a break violation penalty. For example, Washington employees who fail to allow a minor employee to take a meal or rest break as per the Washington state break law can be <a href=\"https:\/\/app.leg.wa.gov\/rcw\/default.aspx?cite=49.12.390\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fined between $300 and $1,000<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">\n<div class=\"banner banner-dark clockify-gradient-landing-2\">\n    <div class=\"banner-text lg:pr-[6rem]\">\n        <h2 class=\"translation-block text-2xl !mb-4\">Employee Overtime Tracker<\/h2>\n        <p class=\"translation-block !text-sm\">Clockify by CAKE.com is a simple overtime tracker that lets your team track work hours across projects and organize payroll.<\/p>\n\n        <div class=\"banner-buttons d-flex space-x-4 translation-block\">\n            <a class=\"rounded-md px-6 py-2 bg-white\" href=\"https:\/\/app.clockify.me\/en\/signup\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up<\/a>\n\n                            <a class=\"button-2\" href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/overtime-tracker\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"banner-image banner-image-middle \">\n        <picture>\n            <source srcset=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/learn\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-learn\/src\/images\/clockify\/banners\/landing-2@2x.png 2x\" alt=\"Illustration\"  media=\"(min-width: 1022px)\" \/>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/learn\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-learn\/src\/images\/clockify\/banners\/landing-2.png\"  alt=\"Illustration\" \/>\n        <\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n    <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"conclusion-disclaimer\" class=\"wp-block-heading translation-block\">Conclusion\/Disclaimer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">Please bear in mind that this break laws guide was checked and updated in July 2026. Thus, it may not include changes introduced after it was published.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">We strongly advise you to consult the appropriate institutions and\/or certified representatives before acting on any legal matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">Clockify is not responsible for any losses or risks incurred should this guide be used without legal guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Erfahre alles \u00fcber die US-Pausenregelungen 2025. Mit unserem Leitfaden h\u00e4ltst du die aktuellsten Arbeitsvorschriften ein und bleibst rechtlich auf der sicheren Seite.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":6692,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-187","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-management","category-business-regulations"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/learn\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/187","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/learn\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/learn\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/learn\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/learn\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=187"}],"version-history":[{"count":58,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/learn\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/187\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6755,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/learn\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/187\/revisions\/6755"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/learn\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6692"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/learn\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=187"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/learn\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=187"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/learn\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=187"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}