2018 Vermont Minimum Wage
The 2018 Vermont Minimum Wage is $10.50.
Effective 2018-01-01Source: Vermont Farm Worker Wage, Hour and Housing Fact Sheet (Vermont Department of Labor)Verified 2026-08-31
Compared with 2017
| Item | 2017 | 2018 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly | $10 | $10.50 | +$0.50 (+5.0%) |
Who it applies to
Most employees working in Vermont. Agricultural employees are exempt from Vermont's minimum wage under state law but may be covered by the federal minimum wage.
What changed this year, and why
Vermont's minimum wage increased to $10.50 per hour effective January 1, 2018.
Common questions
- Does Vermont's minimum wage apply to agricultural employees?
- No. Agricultural employees are exempt from Vermont's minimum wage under state law but may be covered by the federal minimum wage.
Minors, students and training wages: who may be paid less than the rate on this page
In Vermont, most workers must receive at least $10.50 per hour. However, the state allows certain categories of workers to be paid a lower, subminimum wage. This includes minors (youth workers), students, and employees in training roles. Employers in Vermont who wish to pay these workers less than the standard minimum wage must obtain approval from the Vermont Department of Labor, which sets the specific subminimum rate and any conditions that apply. Without that written authorization, an employer must pay at least $10.50 per hour to every covered worker, regardless of age or training status. Workers who believe they are being paid less than they are entitled to should contact the Vermont Department of Labor to file a complaint and request an investigation.
Individuals employed in agriculture are exempt from Vermont’s minimum wage & overtime laws pursuant to 21 V.S.A. § 383.
Vermont Farm Worker Wage, Hour and Housing Fact Sheet (Vermont Department of Labor)
Overtime is paid at one and one-half times the regular rate
In Vermont, agricultural employees are generally exempt from state minimum wage and overtime laws. However, employees who engage in manufacturing or processing of agricultural products, such as value-added processing on a farm, may not be considered agricultural employees. These workers may be entitled to overtime pay or the potentially higher minimum wage provided by Vermont law. The Vermont minimum wage is $10.50 per hour as of 2018. If a Vermont worker performs activities that are not considered agriculture under the law, such as processing fruits and vegetables from their natural state, they may be entitled to the full state minimum wage and overtime protections. Employers should be aware that the agricultural exemption does not apply to all farm-related work. Workers with questions about whether they are entitled to overtime or the higher minimum wage should contact the Vermont Department of Labor's Wage & Hour Division.
Employers should be aware that an employee engaging in manufacturing or processing of agricultural products may not be considered an agricultural employee & thus, may likely be entitled to overtime or the potentially higher minimum wage provided by Vermont law.
Vermont Farm Worker Wage, Hour and Housing Fact Sheet (Vermont Department of Labor)
When tips, meals or lodging count toward the minimum wage
In Vermont, employers may deduct from wages an allowance for meals and lodging actually furnished to employees. These deductions cannot exceed the amounts specified in the Vermont Minimum Wage Rules. The nightly lodging deduction is limited to a specific daily rate, the full room deduction to a specific weekly rate, and the full room and board deduction to a specific weekly rate. These rates are set by Vermont law and are updated periodically. Employers should check the Vermont Department of Labor website for current rates. If an employer charges rent or requires a security deposit for employer-provided housing, this deduction is considered rent and prohibits the employer from using the expedited eviction process. The employer must give the employee proper notice before eviction instead.
An employer may deduct from wages an allowance for meals and lodging actually furnished. This deduction would be considered rent and prohibit the employer from the expedited eviction process. The meals and lodging deduction shall not exceed the amount specified in the Vermont Minimum Wage Rules.
Vermont Farm Worker Wage, Hour and Housing Fact Sheet (Vermont Department of Labor)
What an employer may deduct from your pay
In Vermont, employers may not deduct from an employee's wages or require an employee to pay any amount for personal protective equipment required by occupational safety and health regulations. This means that if Vermont workers need safety gear such as protective clothing, gloves, or equipment to comply with workplace safety rules, the employer must provide it at no cost to the employee. The only exceptions are specific federal regulations that allow certain items like non-specialty safety-toe footwear or everyday clothing to be the employee's responsibility. Employers in Vermont cannot reduce a worker's pay below the $10.50 minimum wage by deducting the cost of required protective equipment. This protection ensures that safety requirements do not become a financial burden on workers.
An employer may neither deduct from an employee’s wages, nor require an employee to pay, any amount for personal protective equipment required by occupational safety & health regulations
Vermont Farm Worker Wage, Hour and Housing Fact Sheet (Vermont Department of Labor)
How each figure was verified
Each number below was read from a stored copy of the document named beside it, and checked to occur word for word in the quoted sentence. The digest is of that stored text.
Vermont Farm Worker Wage, Hour and Housing Fact Sheet (Vermont Department of Labor)
- Hourly
Effective January 01, 2018: $10.50 per hour
Other years
Every Vermont Minimum Wage year · Minimum Wage in every state