{"id":6786,"date":"2012-04-26T20:19:00","date_gmt":"2012-04-27T01:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/?post_type=resources&#038;p=6786"},"modified":"2026-07-27T04:01:42","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T09:01:42","slug":"pennsylvania-employment-law","status":"publish","type":"resources","link":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/pennsylvania-employment-law\/","title":{"rendered":"Pennsylvania employment law overview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-primary-white-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-efae2095 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:25px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7fc3d43a wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:70%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8e1436f2 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">\n<p class=\"\">by <strong>The<\/strong> <strong>Brightmine Editorial Team<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania has laws that provide greater protections to employees than federal law, including broader antidiscrimination protections, health care continuation coverage obligations for smaller employers, emergency responder leave and emergency road closure leave, but generally follows federal law with respect to topics such as the minimum wage and occupational safety and health.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Select Pennsylvania employment requirements are summarized below to help an employer understand the range of employment laws affecting the employer-employee relationship in the state. An employer must comply with federal, state, and local law. Where there is overlap, complying with the law that offers the greatest rights or benefits to the employee will generally apply.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"equal-employment-opportunity\">Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and worker protections&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania employers may be required to comply with requirements related to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/discrimination\/eeo-protected-classes-by-state\/\">EEO<\/a> and worker protections. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"fair-employment-practices\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Fair employment practices&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) prohibits an employer with four or more employees from discriminating on the basis of protected characteristics such as:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\">Race;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Color;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Ancestry;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">National origin;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Religion;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Disability (including use of a guide or support animal);&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Age (40 years or older);&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions); and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Educational status (diploma based on general educational development test).&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Harassment on the basis of these factors is also a form of illegal discrimination and is prohibited under the PHRA.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The PHRA also prohibits retaliation against an employee who has opposed a discriminatory employment practice or who has made a charge, testified or assisted in any investigation, proceeding or hearing held under the PHRA.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"equal-pay\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Equal pay&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania&#8217;s Equal Pay Law prohibits an employer from discriminating on the basis of sex in the rate of pay for equal work on jobs that require equal skill, effort and responsibility and are performed under similar working conditions. Different pay rates may be allowed under a seniority system, a merit system, a system that measures earnings by quantity or quality of production, or a differential based on a factor other than sex.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pay-transparency\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Pay transparency&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania does not have a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/pay-transparency\/u-s-pay-transparency-laws-by-state-and-locality\/\">pay transparency law<\/a> applicable to private employers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"salary-history-inquiry-restrictions\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Salary history inquiry restrictions&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania does not restrict an employer from inquiring into or relying upon an applicant&#8217;s salary history.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"employee-wage-disclosure-rights\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Employee wage disclosure rights&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania does not have a wage disclosure law applicable to private employers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pregnancy-accommodation\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Pregnancy accommodation&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania does not have requirements for private employers related to pregnancy accommodation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"breastfeeding-breaks\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Breastfeeding breaks &nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania does not have requirements for private employers related to breastfeeding breaks.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"access-to-personnel-files\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Access to personnel files&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Upon an employee&#8217;s request, an employer must allow the employee (or a designated agent) to inspect certain records in his or her personnel file at reasonable times. The Inspection of Employment Records Law authorizes employees to inspect personnel files used to determine the employee&#8217;s qualifications for the following:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\">Employment;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Promotion;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Additional compensation;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Termination; or&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Disciplinary action.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"whistleblower-protections\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Whistleblower protections&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania does not have a whistleblower law applicable to private employers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"scheduling\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Scheduling&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania does not have a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/state-compliance\/scheduling-laws-by-state-and-municipality\/\">scheduling law<\/a> applicable to private employers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Recruiting-and-Hiring\">Recruiting and hiring&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania employers may be required to comply with requirements related to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/talent-management\/talent-acquisition\/onboarding\/pennsylvania-new-hire-documents-notices-guide\/\">recruiting and hiring<\/a>. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"credit-checks\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Credit checks&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania does not have requirements for private employers related to credit checks.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ban-the-box-and-fair-chance\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Ban the Box and Fair Chance&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania does not have a state <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/talent-management\/talent-acquisition\/recruitment\/ban-the-box-laws-by-state\/\">ban-the-box<\/a> or fair chance law applicable to private employers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"everify\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">E-Verify&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania law requires contractors and subcontractors on public works projects with an estimated cost that exceeds $25,000 to verify the employment eligibility of each new employee by using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/immigration\/immigration-form-i9-work-visas-federal\/\">E-Verify<\/a>. Construction industry employers that transact business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania must also use E-Verify to verify the employment eligibility of new employees. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Wage-and-Hour\">Wage and hour&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania employers may be required to comply with certain <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/wage-hour\/pennsylvania-payroll-wage-payment-compliance-guide\/\">wage and hour requirements<\/a>. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"minimum-wage\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Minimum wage&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/wage-hour\/minimum-wage\/minimum-wage-pennsylvania\/\">Pennsylvania&#8217;s minimum wage<\/a> is the same as the federal minimum wage, which is currently $7.25 per hour. The Pennsylvania minimum wage increases automatically with increases in the federal minimum wage.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"overtime\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Overtime&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania law generally requires an employer to pay covered employees <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/wage-hour\/overtime\/overtime-pennsylvania\/\">overtime<\/a> at a rate of one and one-half times the regular rate for all hours worked in excess of 40 hours in a workweek. Overtime must be compensated on a workweek basis regardless of whether the employee is compensated on an hourly wage, monthly salary, piece rate or other basis.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"meal-and-rest-breaks\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Meal and rest breaks&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Minors may not work more than five consecutive hours without getting at least a 30-minute <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/wage-hour\/meal-and-rest-break-requirements-by-state\/\">rest break<\/a>. Special rules apply to camp counselors and child performers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"child-labor\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Child labor&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/wage-hour\/child-labor-working-hour-restrictions-by-state\/\">Child labor laws<\/a> in Pennsylvania restrict the occupations in which minors may be employed and the number of hours and times during which they may work.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">All minors under the age of 18 are prohibited from working in hazardous occupations, including as a pilot, as a fireman, in certain railway positions, and in the manufacture of paints, dyes and chemicals. Minors are also limited in their ability to work in establishments that produce, sell or dispense alcoholic beverages. Minors under the age of 16 are prohibited from working in a variety of additional occupations, such as working on scaffolding or in a tunnel, or engaging in youth peddling or promotion activities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">No minor may work more than six consecutive days, except in newspaper delivery.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Minors who are 16 or 17 years of age may work:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\">Up to eight hours a day when school is in session, including summer school;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Up to 10 hour a day during school vacation periods;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Up to 28 hours during a regular school week, including summer school;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Up to 48 hours in a week during a school vacation period;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">During the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. when school is in session, including summer school; and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">From 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. during school vacation periods.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Minors who are 14 or 15 years of age may work:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\">Up to three hours on a school day;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Up to eight hours on a nonschool day;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Up to 18 hours during a regular school week, including summer school;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Up to 40 hours in a week during a school vacation period;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">During the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. when school is in session, including summer school; and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">From 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. during school vacation periods.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania requires working minors to have a work permit.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Pay-and-Benefits\">Pay and benefits&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania employers may be required to follow certain requirements with respect to employee pay and benefits.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"wage-payment-methods\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Wage payment methods&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Wages must be paid in cash or by check. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/state-compliance\/direct-deposit-laws-by-state\/\">Direct deposit<\/a> or electronic paycards may be used under certain circumstances.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pay-frequency-and-lag-time\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Pay frequency and lag time&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania law requires an employer to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/payroll\/pay-frequency-and-lag-time-requirements-by-state\/\">pay employees at least twice a month<\/a>, on or before the 15th and the last day of the month. Overtime wages may be paid in the next succeeding pay period.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pay-deductions\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Pay deductions&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">A Pennsylvania employer may make <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/payroll\/involuntary-and-voluntary-pay-deductions-pennsylvania\/\">deductions from an employee&#8217;s wages<\/a> if required by state or federal law or court order, with the employee&#8217;s written authorization or for other permissible reasons, including but not limited to welfare or pension plan contributions, union dues, child support withholding, creditor garnishments and tax levies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pay-statements\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Pay statements&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania employers are required to provide employees with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/payroll\/pay-statement-rate-notification-requirements-by-state\/\">written record of certain pay-related information<\/a>, including:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\">Beginning and ending dates of the pay period;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Hours worked;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Rates paid;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Gross wages;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Allowances claimed as part of the minimum wage;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Deductions; and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Net wages.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"wage-theft\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Wage theft&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania does not have a wage theft law applicable to private employers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"health-care-continuation\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Health care continuation&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Under Pennsylvania&#8217;s health care continuation coverage law (also known as mini-COBRA), an employer with two to 19 employees must offer continuation of heath care coverage for up to nine months to an eligible employee and his or her covered dependents. Qualifying events that trigger continuation coverage under state law are the same as under federal law. Employees may be required to pay up to 105 percent of the monthly premium.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"temporary-disability-insurance\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Temporary disability insurance&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania does not have requirements for private employers related to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/total-rewards\/employee-benefits\/temporary-disability-insurance-requirements-by-state\/\">temporary disability insurance<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Time-Off-and-Leaves-of-Absence\">Time off and leaves of absence&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania employers may be required to follow certain requirements with respect to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employee-leaves\/leave-laws-by-state-chart\/#pennsylvania-leave-laws\">time off and leaves of absence<\/a>. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"family-and-medical-leave\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Family and medical leave&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania does not have a state <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employee-leaves\/paid-family-leave-requirements-by-state\/\">family and medical leave law<\/a> applicable to private employers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"paid-sick-leave\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Paid sick leave&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania does not have a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employee-leaves\/pennsylvania-paid-sick-leave\/\">state paid sick leave law<\/a> applicable to private employers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"other-time-off-requirements\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Other time off requirements&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania has laws relating to time off and leaves of absence, including but not limited to:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employee-leaves\/jury-duty-leave-laws-by-state-and-municipality\/\">Jury duty leave<\/a>;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Crime victim leave;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Emergency responder leave;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Emergency road closure leave;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employee-leaves\/pennsylvania-military-leave-law-guide\/\">Military leave<\/a>; and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Organ or tissue donation leave.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Health-and-Safety\">Health and safety&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania employers may be required to follow certain requirements with respect to employee health and safety. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"occupational-safety-and-health\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Occupational safety and health&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Private sector employers in Pennsylvania fall under the jurisdiction of federal OSHA for compliance and enforcement and must follow the appropriate Code of Federal Regulations that applies to their industry and work practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"drug-and-alcohol-testing\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Drug and alcohol testing &nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania does not have a state law that prohibits <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/talent-management\/talent-acquisition\/recruitment\/drug-testing-laws-by-state\/\">drug and alcohol testing of employees and job applicants<\/a> done in conformance with an established policy, including:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\">Preemployment testing of job applicants for illegal drug use;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Random testing of employees for illegal drugs and alcohol;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Reasonable cause or suspicion of employees for illegal drug or alcohol use;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Post-incident drug and alcohol testing of employees, such as following an accident; or&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Marijuana use testing.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"smokefree-workplace\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Smoke-free workplace&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania&#8217;s Clean Indoor Air Act generally prohibits smoking in the workplace. An employer must post appropriate signage.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"weapons-in-the-workplace\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Weapons in the workplace&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania employers may create and enforce no-weapons polices for the workplace, which <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employee-safety\/guns-in-parking-lots-laws-by-state\/\">prohibits the worker from bringing a weapon onto the property or premises<\/a>, and may ask individuals bringing firearms into their establishment to leave, at which time the individual is obliged to do so. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"safe-driving-practices\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Safe driving practices&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania prohibits the use of an interactive mobile device while operating a motor vehicle.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Organizational-Exit\">Organizational exit&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania employers may be required to follow certain requirements when <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/disciplinary\/documentation-for-separation-of-employment-by-state\/\">employees exit the organization<\/a>. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"final-pay\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Final pay&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania law provides that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/state-compliance\/final-wage-payment-requirements-by-state\/\">final wages<\/a> are due by the next regular payday, whether the termination is voluntary or involuntary.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Whether an employer must pay a terminating employee accrued vacation pay depends on company policy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mass-layoffs\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Mass layoffs&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania does not have its own version of the federal WARN Act.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ai-in-employment\">AI in employment&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Pennsylvania does not have a law related to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/ai-laws-by-state-and-locality\/\">AI in employment<\/a> applicable to private employers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column lnrs-hide-block-on-mobile is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--secondary-gray);border-left-width:2px;padding-left:10px;flex-basis:30%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained wp-container-2 is-position-sticky\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-secondary-gray-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-db4c44a6 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:14px;padding-top:10px;padding-right:10px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:10px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4b827052 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:5px;font-style:normal;font-weight:400\" class=\"\">In this resource:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#equal-employment-opportunity\">EEO and worker protections<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#Recruiting-and-Hiring\">Recruiting and hiring<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#Wage-and-Hour\">Wage and hour<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#Pay-and-Benefits\">Pay and benefits<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#Time-Off-and-Leaves-of-Absence\">Time off and leaves of absence<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#Health-and-Safety\">Health and safety<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#Organizational-Exit\">Organizational exit<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#ai-in-employment\">AI in employment<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-bleach-white-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a36fa716 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:14px;padding-top:10px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-get-the-full-picture\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Get the full picture.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">This resource is a brief overview of state employment law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Dig deeper with in-depth coverage of state and local employment laws in our Employment Law Guide.  Get a free quote for HR &amp; Compliance Center today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/quote\/?intcmp=hrcc-resources|premium-resources|button|quote|Get-a-quote\" style=\"border-radius:25px\">Get a quote<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<p class=\"\"><a href=\"#top\">Go back to the top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-primary-white-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-efae2095 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:25px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-you-may-also-be-interested-in\">You may also be interested in&#8230;<\/h2>\n\n\n<section id=\"resources-search-filter\" class=\"wp-block-brightmine-resources-filter has-text-color has-primary-gray-color has-background has-primary-white-background-color\">\n\n\n<div class=\"ajax-filter\">\n<div class=\"lnrs-resources-search-filter editor-posts-filtered-types editor-posts-filtered-topics \">\n\t\t<div class=\"search_terms_bottom\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"bottom_left\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"search_terms_result_count\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"bottom_right\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"loader-container\">\n\t\t<span class=\"loader\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-filter-widget__container\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource\" style=\"background-color: #f3f2f0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/labor-relations\/how-to-prepare-and-continue-business-operations-during-a-strike\/\"><div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource_image\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/02\/16021649\/Young-entrepreneurs-meeting-1200x627-1.webp);\"><\/div><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__inner_content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"content-top\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"sync\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/lnrs-resources-filter\/assets\/images\/category-flag.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category\">Guides &#8211; How to<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"title\" style=\"color: #00728B\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/labor-relations\/how-to-prepare-and-continue-business-operations-during-a-strike\/\">How to prepare and continue business operations during a strike<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"color: #000000\">Strikes can disrupt business operations, but employers often receive advance notice; this How To outlines key steps for &#8230;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource\" style=\"background-color: #f3f2f0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-agreements\/how-to-reclassify-employee-whose-job-duties-have-changed\/\"><div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource_image\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/05\/26072431\/person-thinking-while-working-on-laptop-in-home-office.webp);\"><\/div><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__inner_content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"content-top\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"sync\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/lnrs-resources-filter\/assets\/images\/category-flag.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category\">Guides &#8211; How to<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"title\" style=\"color: #00728B\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-agreements\/how-to-reclassify-employee-whose-job-duties-have-changed\/\">How to reclassify an employee whose job duties have changed<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"color: #000000\">This guide outlines practical steps employers should take when reclassifying an employee due to changes in job duties, &#8230;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource\" style=\"background-color: #f3f2f0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/discrimination\/how-to-prevent-retaliation-in-workplace\/\"><div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource_image\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/05\/29040302\/person-with-hand-on-forehead-working-at-desk.webp);\"><\/div><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__inner_content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"content-top\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"sync\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/lnrs-resources-filter\/assets\/images\/category-flag.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category\">Guides &#8211; How to<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"title\" style=\"color: #00728B\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/discrimination\/how-to-prevent-retaliation-in-workplace\/\">How to prevent retaliation in the workplace<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"color: #000000\">This guide outlines practical steps employers can take to prevent retaliation in the workplace, including establishing policies, documenting &#8230;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-5fb0786f wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-primary-white-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-fcdab8bb wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:25px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-5fb0786f wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-topics-on-this-page\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Topics on this page<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6c531013 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n\n<div class=\"taxonomy-topic has-link-color wp-elements-5ec59eb01c09ec2f1d84a6b36973ff83 wp-block-post-terms\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/\" rel=\"tag\">HR compliance<\/a><span class=\"wp-block-post-terms__separator\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/state-compliance\/\" rel=\"tag\">State-by-state compliance<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-cararra-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-cararra-gray-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-about-the-author\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">About the author<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-658170e2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border is-style-rounded\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"128\" height=\"128\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/03\/12085517\/Brightmine_Favicon_128px.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-681\" style=\"border-top-left-radius:500px;border-top-right-radius:500px;border-bottom-left-radius:500px;border-bottom-right-radius:500px;aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"\"><strong>The Brightmine Editorial Team<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Our in-house team of HR experts carefully monitors and updates the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/products\/hr-compliance-center\/\">Brightmine HR &amp; Compliance Center<\/a>, the most comprehensive library of employment law and HR resources. This team has an unrivaled wealth of subject matter expertise, with an average of 15 years&#8217; experience. They also bring invaluable, diverse career experiences to the table\u2014the team includes seasoned employment law attorneys, former in-house counsel, SHRM certified professionals and career employment law editors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">In addition to managing the HR &amp; Compliance Center, the Editorial Team supports the content across the Brightmine product portfolio. The Team also supports Marketing Resource Center with breaking <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/category\/hr-news\/\">HR news<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/category\/c-and-i\/\">Commentary and Insights<\/a>, and expert review of key compliance resources, such as our free charts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/brightmine\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Follow Brightmine on LinkedIn<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This Pennsylvania employment law overview reviews requirements employers should know if they have employees working in the state.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":6836,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"employment-law-overview","categories":[13],"tags":[],"topic":[25,77],"class_list":["post-6786","resources","type-resources","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides-how-to","topic-hr-compliance","topic-state-compliance"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.8 (Yoast SEO v27.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Pennsylvania employment law overview | Brightmine<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Pennsylvania employment law overview | This guide provides an overview of key Pennsylvania employment laws employers should know.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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