Lunch Break Laws by State 2024

Feeling hungry? Is it lunchtime? Here is a quick peek at how different states allot breaks according to lunch break laws by state based on data from the Department of Labor.

It is important to note that some states do not have laws about mandatory lunch breaks. Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Vermont do not have minimum required lunch breaks. Minors in the entertainment industry are entitled to a lunch break under Missouri law, however. Employers in Vermont must provide a “reasonable opportunity” to eat and use the restroom during a work shift.

Alabama

14 and 15-year-olds who work at least 5 consecutive hours are entitled to at least a ½ hour lunch break

Alaska

½ hour break for employees under 18 who work at least 5 consecutive hours without a break

Arkansas

Minors in the entertainment industry receive a 30 to 60-minute lunch break

California

½ hour for more than 5 hours per day, except for workdays completed in 6 hours or less

Colorado

½ hour for more than 5 hours per day.

Connecticut

½ hour is granted for any employee working 7½ consecutive hours. A break is to be taken after the first 2 hours and before the last 2 hours of the shift.

Delaware

½ hour is granted for any employee working 7½ consecutive hours. A break is to be taken after the first 2 hours and before the last 2 hours of the shift.

Florida

Non-exempt employees under 18 who work at least 4 hours are given at least 30 minutes

Hawaii

14 and 15-year-olds who work at least 5 consecutive hours are entitled to at least a ½ hour lunch break

Illinois

Minimum 30 minutes permitted for any employee working 7½ consecutive hours. Employees under 16 who work at least 5 hours are given 20 minutes A break must be taken within the first 5 hours of the start of the work shift.

Indiana

Employees under 18 who work six or more hours are given 1-2 breaks that total 30 minutes

Iowa

½ hour lunch break is given to employees sixteen and under who work at least five hours

Kansas

Unpaid meal breaks of 30 minutes are allowed; breaks less than 20 minutes must be paid

Kentucky

Generally, ½ hour breaks are permitted for those under 18. Adult employees must be given a “reasonable period." Breaks should be taken between after the 3rd and before the 5th hours of the shift

Louisiana

Non-exempt employees over 18 who work at least five consecutive hours are provided a ½ hour unpaid break

Maine

30 minutes is permitted following 6 consecutive hours of work.

Maryland

30 minutes is permitted for any shift of more than 6 consecutive hours.

Massachusetts

30 minutes is permitted for any shift of more than 6 consecutive hours.

Minnesota

"Sufficient unpaid time " permitted for employees scheduled to work 8 consecutive hours.

Nebraska

½ hour is granted for any employee working an 8-hour shift

Nevada

½ hour is granted for any employee working eight consecutive hours.

New Hampshire

½ hour is granted for any shift of 5 consecutive hours.

New York

One-hour noon-day period (factory-mandated ordinance). In other fields, 45 minutes are granted during the middle of the shift.

North Carolina

Employees under 16 who work five consecutive hours are granted a 30 minute break

North Dakota

½ hour is granted for any shift of 5 consecutive hours.

Oregon

½ hour is granted for a 6-hour shift for employees. A break should be taken between the 2nd and 5th hours of the shift.

Pennsylvania

½ hour is granted to seasonal farm workers or minors under 18 for every five consecutive hours worked

Rhode Island

20 minutes are granted for a six-hour shift. 30 minutes is permitted for any shift of 8 hours or more.

Tennessee

½ hour is granted for any shift of 6 hours or more.

Utah

½ hour break is granted to employees under 18 who have worked at least five hours

Virginia

Employees under 16 years old who work five or more hours are granted a ½ hour break

Washington

½ hour is granted for any shift of 5 consecutive hours or more. Some professions have their own guidelines.

West Virginia

20 minutes are given to any employee working 6 hours or more.

Wisconsin

Employees under 18 who work at least six hours are given a ½ hour

Yes, what your lunch break looks like and how long it is, will be determined by the state you live in and your employer. The good news is that every state has some guidelines, meaning at least our bosses won't let us starve at work. So go enjoy your lunch - and the quickest 30 minutes of your workday.