Ohio Employment Contract Template

An Ohio employment contract is a written agreement between an employer and employee. It defines compensation, job duties, benefits, and workplace policies. Although Ohio generally follows at-will employment, contracts can limit termination rights or set terms for notice, severance, or specific benefits.

• At-will employment: Ohio presumes employment is at-will, meaning either party can end the relationship at any time unless a contract or law provides otherwise. Exceptions apply for discrimination, retaliation, or public policy violations.
• Minimum wage: $10.70/hour as of January 1, 2025 (adjusted annually for inflation). Will increase to $11.00 on January 1, 2026. Small employers with annual gross receipts under $194,000 may pay the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.
• Overtime: Non-exempt employees must be paid 1.5× their regular rate for hours worked over 40 per week (Ohio Revised Code § 4111.03).
• Meal/rest breaks: No state requirement for adult workers. Federal law applies—breaks under 20 minutes must be paid. Minors under 18 must receive a 30-minute uninterrupted break if working more than 5 consecutive hours.
• Paid leave: Ohio does not mandate private employers to provide paid vacation or sick leave. Employers that do must follow their written policies.
• Pay frequency: Employers must pay at least semi-monthly unless otherwise approved (Ohio Rev Code § 4113.15).
• Final pay: All wages are due on the next regularly scheduled payday after separation (Ohio Rev Code § 4113.15).
• Child labor: Work permits are required for minors under 18. Hours are restricted during the school year—14–15-year-olds may not work more than 3 hours on a school day or past 7 PM. Certain hazardous jobs are off-limits to minors.
• Non-competes: Enforceable if reasonable in time, geography, and scope, and necessary to protect legitimate business interests. Courts will strike down overly broad restrictions.
• E-signatures: Recognized under Ohio’s adoption of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (Ohio Rev Code § 1306.06).

When preparing your Ohio employment contract, include the following sections:

1. Add party details: List employer and employee names, job title, start date, and workplace location.
2. Define job duties: Describe daily responsibilities, reporting lines, and performance standards.
3. Set pay and schedule: Include wage or salary, pay frequency, and overtime eligibility.
4. Outline benefits: State any PTO, holidays, health insurance, or retirement plans offered.
5. Breaks and leave: Mention your company’s policy on meal and rest breaks, especially for minors where required.
6. Confidentiality and IP: Protect sensitive company data and clarify ownership of employee-created work.
7. Restrictive covenants: If using non-competes or non-solicits, make sure they are narrowly tailored to be enforceable.
8. Termination terms: Note Ohio’s at-will rule, but specify notice or severance if your company offers them.
9. Governing law and signatures: Confirm Ohio law applies and allow for e-signatures