North Dakota law
Employment Laws in North Dakota.
North Dakota is both an at-will employment and a right-to-work state. The North Dakota Human Rights Act prohibits employment discrimination on several bases but does not explicitly cover sexual orientation or gender identity. The state minimum wage matches the federal rate of $7.25/hour. North Dakota does not mandate paid sick leave or paid family leave for private employers. Noncompete agreements are generally void under state law.
Last verified: 2026-02-26
State law
Statute of Limitations
Discrimination complaints under the North Dakota Human Rights Act must be filed with the Department of Labor and Human Rights within 300 days. Federal EEOC charges must also be filed within 300 days. Wage claims have varying deadlines.
State law
Key North Dakota Statutes
Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, and public assistance status. Applies to employers with one or more employees. Does not explicitly include sexual orientation or gender identity as protected classes.
North Dakota's minimum wage is $7.25/hour, matching the federal minimum. Tipped employees may be paid a minimum cash wage of $4.86/hour (33% tip credit) if they customarily receive more than $30/month in tips.
Every contract restraining someone from exercising a lawful profession, trade, or business is void. Limited exceptions exist for the sale of business goodwill or dissolution of a partnership, LLC, or corporation, where reasonable geographic area and time restrictions may be permissible.
North Dakota is a right-to-work state. Employers may not require union membership as a condition of employment, and employees cannot be coerced to join a labor union.
North Dakota does not require private employers to provide paid vacation, paid sick leave, or paid family leave. Employers must honor any existing policies or contractual agreements regarding leave.
State law
Official Sources
Not Legal Advice
This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in North Dakota.
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