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The Mandate Monitor

What employers in Montana must do

Checked November 8, 2026From the agencies that run each program

Short answer

Employers in Montana must pay most workers at least $10.85 an hour, rising to $11.20 on January 1, 2027.

Montana has no state paid family and medical leave insurance program.

The next dated change in Montana is January 1, 2027: Montana minimum wage rises to $11.20.

Running payroll in Montana? See the do-it-yourself route and list prices for the 8 payroll systems that say they file payroll taxes.

Montana requirements at a glance

RequirementStatusWhat it means for you
Minimum wageIn effect$10.85 an hour for most workers; $11.20 from January 1, 2027

Pay rules Montana employers must follow

Paydays
No set frequency, but wages are due within 10 business days after the pay period ends. If the employer sets no pay period, it is presumed to be twice a month.
Final paycheck, fired
Immediately (within 4 hours or by the end of the business day, whichever comes first). A written company policy can extend this to the next regular payday or 15 days, whichever comes first.
Final paycheck, quit
By the next regular payday or within 15 days, whichever comes first.
Meal breaks
No state requirement for adults.
Rest breaks
No state requirement for adults.
Overtime
State law matches the federal rule: time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek.
New hire reporting
Within 20 days of hire, to the Montana New Hire Reporting Program (Department of Public Health and Human Services)

From the Montana Department of Labor & Industry and the U.S. Department of Labor’s state tables, checked November 8, 2026.

Upcoming Montana deadlines

  1. · Minimum wage

    Montana minimum wage rises to $11.20

Deadline calendar for every state · How to hire your first employee · Employer law changes for 2027 · All states

Sources

  1. Montana Department of Labor and Industry, Employment Standards Division
  2. State Payday Requirements (last revised January 1, 2023), U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division (read Nov 7, 2026)
  3. Minimum Length of Meal Period Required under State Law for Adult Employees in Private Sector (last revised January 1, 2023), U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division (read Nov 7, 2026)
  4. Minimum Paid Rest Period Requirements Under State Law for Adult Employees in Private Sector (last revised January 1, 2023), U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division (read Nov 7, 2026)
  5. State Minimum Wage Laws, including premium (overtime) pay after designated hours (updated November 5, 2026), U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division (read Nov 7, 2026)
  6. Wage and Hour FAQ, Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Employment Standards Division (read Nov 8, 2026)
  7. Wage and Hour Labor Law Reference Guide, Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Employment Relations Division (read Nov 7, 2026)
  8. New Hire Reporting, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Child Support Services Division (read Nov 7, 2026)