Research Summary: Everyone needs to eat, and for those not working remotely, the anticipation of a lunch break is palpable. Just a few hours into a shift, many employees find themselves eagerly awaiting their break.
Fortunately, in 2026, 41 states in the U.S. have laws in place that ensure your right to a designated lunch break. This article delves into the essential details regarding lunch break laws across the country.
Based on our in-depth research, here’s a summary of states that have established specific regulations regarding lunch breaks:
| State | Covered Employees | Minimum Lunch Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Employees aged 14-15 who work 5+ hours | 30 minutes |
| Alaska | Minors who work 5+ hours | 30 minutes |
| Arkansas | Minors in the entertainment industry | 30 to 60 minutes |
| California | Non-exempt employees who work 5+ hours | 30 minutes with an additional 30 minutes after 10 hours |
| Colorado | Employees covered by Colorado’s Minimum Wage Order who work 5+ hours | 30 minutes |
| Connecticut | Non-exempt employees who work 7.5+ hours | 30 minutes |
| Delaware |
Minors who work 5+ hours
Employees 18+ who work 7.5+ hours |
30 minutes |
| Florida | Non-exempt employees under 18 who work 4+ hours | 30 minutes |
| Hawaii | Employees aged 14-15 who work 5+ hours | 30 minutes |
| Illinois |
Employees under 16 who work 5+ hours
Employees who work 7.5+ hours |
20 minutes, or 30 minutes for employees under 16 |
| Indiana | Minors who work 6+ hours | 30 minutes over 1-2 breaks |
| Iowa | Employees under 16 who work 5+ hours | 30 minutes |
| Kansas |
All employees
Meal break must be paid if it surpasses 30 minutes |
30 minutes unpaid |
| Kentucky | Minors who work 4+ hours | 30 minutes for minors |
| Louisiana | Non-exempt minors who work 5+ hours | 30 minutes unpaid |
| Maine | Employees who work 6+ hours | 30 minutes |
| Maryland |
Certain retail employees*
Non-exempt minors who work 5+ hours |
30 minutes
4-6 hour shift: 15 minutes* 6+ hour shift: 30 minutes* Every additional 4 hours worked after 8: 15 minutes added* |
| Massachusetts | Non-exempt employees who work 6+ hours | 30 minutes |
| Michigan | Minors who work 5+ hours | 30 minutes |
| Minnesota | Employees who work 8+ hours | N/A |
| Missouri | Minors in the entertainment industry | 15 minutes after every 2 hours of work |
| Nebraska | Employees of assembling plants, workshops or mechanical establishments | 30 minutes per 8-hour shift |
| Nevada | Employees who work 8+ hours | 30 minutes |
| New Hampshire | Employees who work 5+ hours | 30 minutes |
| New Jersey | Minors who work 5+ hours | 30 minutes |
| New Mexico | Lunch breaks are not mandated, but if employers choose to implement them, they must provide pay if the break is less than 20 minutes | N/A |
| New York |
Employees who work 6+ hours
Every person working before 11 a.m. and continuing later than 7 p.m. receives an additional 20-minute break between 5-7 PM |
30 minutes
60 minutes for factory workers and employees working 6+ hours between 1 PM and 6 AM |
| North Carolina | Employees under 16 who work 5+ hours | 30 minutes |
| North Dakota | Employees who work 5+ hours | 30 minutes |
| Ohio | Minors for every 5 hours worked | 30 minutes |
| Oklahoma | Employees under 16 who work 5+ hours | 30 minutes |
| Oregon | Employees who work 6+ hours | 30 minutes |
| Pennsylvania | Seasonal farm workers and minors for every 5 hours worked | 30 minutes |
| Rhode Island | Employees who work 6+ hours | 20 minutes for a 6-hour shift or 30 minutes for an 8+ hour shift |
| Tennessee | Employees who work 6+ hours | 30 minutes |
| Utah | Minors for every 5 hours worked | 30 minutes |
| Vermont |
All employees
Meal break must be paid if it is less than 30 minutes |
N/A |
| Virginia | Employees under 16 who work 5+ hours | 30 minutes |
| Washington |
Employees aged 14-15 for every 4 hours worked
Employees aged 16-17 for every 5+ hours worked All employees |
Employees under 15: 2 hours
Employees 16-17: 30 minutes All Employees: 30 minutes plus an additional 30 minutes for every 3 hours worked over 8 hours |
| West Virginia | Employees who work 6+ hours | 20 minutes |
| Wisconsin | Minors for every 6+ hours worked | 30 minutes |
States Without Lunch Break Laws
As of 2026, there are nine states without any lunch break laws, whether paid or unpaid. These states are:
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Arizona
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Georgia
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Idaho
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Mississippi
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Montana
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South Carolina
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South Dakota
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Texas
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Wyoming
Since there is no federal law mandating lunch breaks, employees in these states are not guaranteed a lunch break. However, it is important to note that some employers may still offer lunch breaks at their discretion.
Moreover, in states such as New Mexico, while lunch breaks are not required, employers who do implement them must compensate employees if the break is less than 20 minutes.
Benefits of Lunch Break Laws
Providing lunch breaks may seem like an additional cost, but they offer significant advantages for both employees and employers. Here are three key benefits of implementing lunch breaks:
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Increased Productivity. Studies show that employees who take lunch breaks tend to be 90% more productive, with 63% reporting heightened productivity immediately following their break. This boost in efficiency means that businesses can achieve more while allowing for decreased working hours.
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Reduced Health Problems. Research indicates that 40% of employees with lunch breaks experience lower stress levels. This reduction in stress and fatigue not only benefits employees but also leads to fewer sick days, ultimately enhancing workplace productivity.
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Happy Employees. A staggering 94% of employees feel more satisfied when they take a lunch break. This satisfaction can lead to decreased turnover rates, improved customer service, and a more positive workplace culture.
Lunch Break Laws FAQ
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What is the federal law on lunch breaks?
There is no federal law on lunch breaks. However, if an employer chooses to provide a lunch break, it does not have to be paid unless specified by state law. Under federal regulations, a work break must be paid if:
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The employee continues working during their break time
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The break is 20 minutes long or less
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Can employers end your lunch break early?
No, employers cannot end your lunch break early. They cannot interrupt your break with work assignments, and if you feel compelled to work during an unpaid lunch break, you may seek compensation for that time. Overall, your break can only end early if you opt to continue working.
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Can employers require employees to take a break?
Yes and no; in some states, employers can require employees to take a break. For instance, in Massachusetts, employers can mandate meal breaks, while in Washington, employees are not allowed to work more than three hours without a rest break. Generally, though, in most states, employers cannot force employees to take a break but must document when they opt not to.
Conclusion
As of 2026, lunch breaks are a common practice, upheld by laws in 41 states. Typically, these breaks last a minimum of 30 minutes and often apply to minor workers as well. The specific regulations can vary significantly from state to state.
These laws enhance employee productivity, satisfaction, work-life balance, health, and overall well-being. It’s essential for employers to recognize the value of providing lunch breaks, even in states without legal requirements.
Author
Jack Flynn is a writer for Zippia. In his professional career he’s written over 100 research papers, articles and blog posts. Some of his most popular published works include his writing about economic terms and research into job classifications. Jack received his BS from Hampshire College.
