Ohio Employment Laws

Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, military status, national origin, disability, age (40+), and ancestry. Applies to employers with 4 or more employees — broader than federal Title VII's 15-employee threshold.

Protects employees who report violations that are criminal offenses likely to cause imminent risk of physical harm or hazards to public health and safety. Employee must first orally notify their supervisor, then file a written report. Must file within 180 days of the retaliatory action.

Ohio's minimum wage is $11.00/hour for non-tipped employees and $5.50/hour for tipped employees (2026 rates). Adjusted annually based on CPI. Applies to businesses with annual gross receipts over $405,000; smaller businesses must pay the federal minimum wage.

Ohio is an at-will employment state. However, Ohio courts recognize a public policy exception — employees may not be discharged for reasons that contravene clear public policy, such as filing a workers' comp claim, refusing to commit an illegal act, or exercising a statutory right.