An Ohio employment contract establishes the terms and conditions of employment between an employee and an employer. This document ensures both parties know their obligations, as it outlines the employment duration, the benefits/financial compensation the employee will receive, and employment termination details.
In Ohio, an employment contract must contain an offer, acceptance, a meeting of the minds for the accepted terms, and mutual intent. Ohio law differentiates a contract from an agreement by stating that a contract is the total legal obligation that results from the parties’ agreement, as outlined in Chapters 1301 through 1310 [1] .
- Laws: Title 41
- Definition of Employee: According to the Ohio Revised Code § 4111.14, an employee is anyone who’s employed in Ohio. However, it doesn’t refer to anyone who’s excluded from the definition of “employee” under 29 U.S.C. 203(e).
By Type
Independent Contractor Agreement
Establishes a relationship between the client and the contractor.
Non-Compete Agreement
Defines an employee's restrictions so their activities don't compete with their employer's business operations.
Hiring in Ohio
Before creating an Ohio employment contract, you need to ensure you’re aware of the labor laws and regulations in Ohio.
At-Will
Ohio is an at-will employment state. There are also exceptions to the at-will employment rules.
Exceptions
- Public Policy: Yes
- Implied Contract: Yes
- Good-Faith Exception: No
Minimum Wage ($/hr)
The minimum wage in Ohio depends on the annual gross receipts of the employer.
Employers with annual gross receipts of $372,000 or more have to pay a minimum wage of $10.10/hour [2] . Employers with annual gross receipts under $372,000 must pay the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.
Child Labor
Ohio requires employment certificates for minors under 16 at any time and for minors 16 and 17 during the school term [3] .
Age certificates are not issued in Ohio. However, proof of age is required for minors 16 and 17 years of age for employment during school vacation.
Minors who are 16 and 17 years old and wish to be employed at a seasonal amusement or recreational establishment are not required to provide an age certificate if they have the approval of the superintendent of schools of the district in which they live.
Payday
Employers in Ohio are required to pay employees at least semi-monthly.
Meal and Rest Breaks
Ohio does not have any requirements for minimum paid rest or meal periods.
Recordkeeping Requirements
Employers in Ohio must keep records of employees’ names, addresses, job titles, wages paid, and hours worked for at least three years [4] . Other recordkeeping requirements for Ohio employers include:
- Unemployment Insurance: 5 years
- Safety and Health/Workers’ Compensation: 5 years
- Child Labor: 2 years
Sample
Download an Ohio employment contract template in PDF or Word format below:
