Federal Floor, State Ceiling: Measuring Wage Law
In the US, labor law is a hierarchy. The Federal government (FLSA) sets the Floor (minimum standards). States can only build up from there, never down.
The Supremacy Clause Logic
If Federal law says Minimum Wage is $7.25 and California says $16.00, the employer must pay the higher amount ($16.00). The employee always gets the benefit of the most generous statute.
Key Vectors of Variation
Overtime
Federal: >40 hours/week.
California: >8 hours/day OR >40 hours/week.
Meal Breaks
Federal: None required for adults.
NY/CA: Mandatory 30min unpaid meal after 5-6 hours.
Final Pay
Federal: Next regular payday.
MA/CA: Immediate (or within 24-72 hours) upon termination.
Jurisdiction Conflict
For remote workers, the laws of the state where the work is performed generally apply, not where the HQ is located. An employee working from home in Colorado is protected by Colorado transparency laws, even if the company is in Florida.