Minnesota vs Wisconsin Payroll Comparison
Compare payroll compliance requirements between Minnesota and Wisconsin. See key differences in wages, taxes, leave policies, and employer obligations.
Compare State Payroll Requirements
Select 2 states to compare their payroll compliance requirements side-by-side.
| Requirement | Minnesota | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Wage (Large Employer) | ⚠️$10.85/hour (2024) | N/A |
| Minimum Wage (Small Employer) | ⚠️$8.85/hour (2024) | N/A |
| Tipped Minimum | ✓Same as regular minimum wage (no tip credit) | $2.33 + tips |
| Overtime Threshold | 40 hours/week (federal FLSA) | ⚠️40 hours/week (no daily OT) |
| Final Pay (Termination) | ⚠️Immediately on demand | Next regular payday or within 31 days |
| Final Pay (Resignation) | Next regular payday | Next regular payday or within 31 days |
| PTO Payout Required? | ⚠️Yes (if policy provides) | ✓No (unless policy requires) |
| Pay Frequency Mandate | At least monthly; within 15 days | Monthly (minimum) |
| State Income Tax | ⚠️Yes (5.35% - 9.85%) | ⚠️Yes (3.5% - 7.65%) |
| Unemployment Insurance | Yes | Yes |
| State Disability Insurance | ✓No | ✓No |
| Paid Family Leave | Coming 2026 | ✓No |
| Paid Sick Leave | ⚠️Yes (Earned Sick & Safe Time - 48 hrs/yr) | ✓No (no statewide mandate) |
| Workers' Comp Required | ⚠️Yes (all employers) | ⚠️Yes (3+ employees) |
| Minimum Wage | N/A | $7.25 (federal) |
Key Differences: Minnesota vs Wisconsin
MNMinnesota
- Minimum Wage (Large Employer):$10.85/hour (2024)
- Minimum Wage (Small Employer):$8.85/hour (2024)
- Tipped Minimum:Same as regular minimum wage (no tip credit)
- Overtime Threshold:40 hours/week (federal FLSA)
- Final Pay (Termination):Immediately on demand
- Final Pay (Resignation):Next regular payday
WIWisconsin
- Minimum Wage:$7.25 (federal)
- Tipped Minimum:$2.33 + tips
- Overtime Threshold:40 hours/week (no daily OT)
- Final Pay (Termination):Next regular payday or within 31 days
- Final Pay (Resignation):Next regular payday or within 31 days
- PTO Payout Required?:No (unless policy requires)
Understanding Minnesota and Wisconsin Payroll Differences
State Income Tax: Minnesota has state income tax (Yes (5.35% - 9.85%)), while Wisconsin has state income tax (Yes (3.5% - 7.65%)). This significantly impacts both employer withholding responsibilities and employee take-home pay.
Minimum Wage: Minnesota minimum wage is $10.85/hour (2024), compared to Wisconsin at $7.25 (federal). Employers must pay at least the higher of federal, state, or local minimum wage requirements.
Paid Sick Leave: Minnesota: Yes (Earned Sick & Safe Time - 48 hrs/yr). Wisconsin: No (no statewide mandate). States with mandatory paid sick leave require employers to track accruals and provide specific leave entitlements.
For complete compliance requirements, review the full state guides for Minnesota and Wisconsin.