Minnesota Compliance Requirements for Employers and Contractors

Minnesota employers and contractors are facing a growing list of labor laws. 

Below are the key requirements for 2026:

1. Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)
   • January 1, 2026: Employers must begin payroll deductions, and paid leave becomes available for employees
   • April 30, 2026: First quarterly premium payments are due
      
2. MN State & Local Contractor Requirements
   • Annual Compliance Reports: New online web portal for submitting reports, required for companies with Workforce Certificates
   • Workforce Certificates: Required every 4 years for certain contractors 
   • Equal Pay Certificate: Required for contracts over a specific threshold, valid for 4 years​​​​​​
      
3. Compensation and Wage Changes
   • Pay Transparency: Effective January 1, 2025, employers with 30+ employees in Minnesota must include a salary range in all job postings
   • Minimum Wage: $11.41/hour Effective January 1, 2026
      
4. MN State Handbook Addendums
   • Effective July 1, 2025: Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) updates
   • Effective January 1, 2026: Mandatory 30-minute meal breaks for shifts over 6 hours

​​ To learn more about how HR Works can support your compliance efforts, contact us today.