Remote Work Compliance Basics
Pay the highest wage that applies: federal, state, or local.
The rule
The DOL says that where an employee is covered by more than one minimum wage, the employee gets the highest rate. The same idea applies to overtime: the employee gets the standard that pays more. For a remote associate, that is usually the law of the place where the work is done, plus the FLSA.
What employers must do
Record the state, and the city if a local wage ordinance exists, before the first day. Do not assume the client's headquarters state controls. Posting, sick leave, and pay-transparency rules can also follow the work location. This review did not confirm a special federal remote-work statute.
Effective dates
The higher-wage rule is current. State rates that change on January 1, 2027 are in the state articles.
What this means for BOSS partners and associates
BOSS is often the employer of record for the associate. Wage, break, leave, posting, and tax rules usually follow the state where the associate works. Tell BOSS that state before the assignment starts. Associates should record every hour worked on the timesheet. Do not promise a pay practice, a leave bank, or a posting the statute does not require.
Questions? Contact BOSS Support at support@backofficenow.com.
Sources
This article is general information, not legal advice. Laws change; check with BOSS Support or your own counsel for your situation.