A Michigan employment contract helps protect both the employer and the employee. An employment contract outlines what is expected of both parties, such as the job responsibilities of the employee, the period of employment, and the compensation they will receive from the employer. When using a Michigan employment contract, it’s important to know the state laws about employment.
Employment Contracts: What to Consider as an Employer in Michigan
Before you write your Michigan employment contract, ensure you know Michigan’s labor requirements and regulations.
At-Will
Michigan is an at-will employment state.
Minimum Wage Laws in Michigan
Basic Minimum Rate (per hour): $10.10
Premium Pay After Designated Hours: Weekly – 40
In Michigan, the minimum wage will increase annually on a set schedule until 2030, as long as the unemployment rate in the preceding year does not exceed 8.5%.
Any employees 16-17 years of age can be paid 85% of the minimum wage.
Employment/Age Certification in Michigan
For minors under 18, employment certificates are required in Michigan. However, there are some exceptions when an employment certificate is not required:
- A minor of 16 years or older who has completed the requirements for high school or has obtained a high school equivalency certificate and provided a copy to their employer.
- A minor of 17 years old who has passed the general education development test and provided a copy to their employer.
Employment certificates can be obtained from the Michigan Department of Education.
Age certification is mandatory in Michigan for minors under 18 but is included as part of an employment certificate.
Payday Requirements in Michigan
Payday requirements in Michigan vary by occupation. Generally, employees should be paid on, or before, the first day of each calendar month for the wages earned by the employee during the first 15 days of the previous month. Employees should also be paid on an established regularly recurring payday. [1]
Minimum Periods for Breaks and Meals in Michigan
Michigan does not require minimum paid rest periods or minimum meal periods.
Michigan Employment Contract Sample
Below, you can download a Michigan employment contract template in PDF or Word format:
