Employers in Arizona often ask: Do I have to give my workers lunch or rest breaks? Employees want to know: Am I entitled to a paid break under state law?
The short answer is that Arizona does not have its own meal or rest break law, but federal rules under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) still set clear guidelines. Short breaks under 20 minutes are paid, meal breaks of 30 minutes or more can be unpaid, and any work performed during a break must count as paid time.
In this guide, we’ll explain Arizona’s break rules, payroll implications for employers, and how to avoid costly compliance mistakes.
Arizona Break Laws at a Glance
- Arizona has no state law requiring meal or rest breaks for adults.
- Under the FLSA, short breaks (5–20 minutes) must be paid.
- Meal breaks of 30 minutes or more can be unpaid if the employee is fully relieved of duties.
- If an employee works during lunch, that time is compensable work hours.
- Employers should track break time accurately to avoid overtime issues.
Federal vs. Arizona Rules on Breaks
Federal Law: The FLSA
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets the baseline for break pay rules nationwide:
- Short rest breaks (5–20 minutes): Always paid.
- Meal periods (30 minutes+): Can be unpaid, but only if the worker is free of all duties.
- Interrupted meal: If the employee answers calls, checks emails, or keeps working, the meal must be paid.
Arizona’s Position
Arizona law does not add its own break requirements. Employers can choose whether to offer breaks, but if they do, they must follow FLSA pay rules.
💡 Employers can estimate costs of different break policies with the Arizona Payroll Tax Calculator.
Payroll Examples: Paid vs. Unpaid Breaks
| Break Type | Paid or Unpaid? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10-minute coffee break | Paid | Counts as work hours |
| 30-minute lunch, duty-free | Unpaid | Must be at least 30 minutes |
| Lunch while answering phones | Paid | Work performed → hours count |
| Two 15-minute breaks in a shift | Paid | Included in total hours worked |
🔗 If a worker skips their unpaid lunch and works through, that time may push them into overtime. Employers can quickly check costs with the Arizona Overtime Calculator.
Break Rules for Minors in Arizona
For employees under 18, Arizona child labor laws require:
- A 30-minute meal break for shifts longer than 5 hours.
Whether that break is paid follows FLSA standards: duty-free = unpaid, interrupted = paid.
Nursing Mothers and Breaks
Federal law also requires reasonable break time for nursing mothers to express breast milk. Employers must provide:
- A private space other than a bathroom,
- Break time as needed during the first year after childbirth.
These breaks are not automatically paid unless they overlap with paid rest periods.
Employer Compliance Checklist
- ✅ Write a clear break policy in your handbook.
- ✅ Train managers to enforce duty-free lunches.
- ✅ Track break times in your payroll system.
- ✅ Avoid automatic meal deductions unless verified.
- ✅ Audit time sheets regularly to prevent wage disputes.
FAQs on Arizona Meal & Rest Break Pay
Do Arizona employers have to provide breaks?
No. Arizona law does not require breaks for adults, but minors do get a mandatory meal period.
Are short breaks paid?
Yes. Breaks of 20 minutes or less must be paid under federal law.
Can lunch be unpaid in Arizona?
Yes, if it is at least 30 minutes and the employee is relieved of all work duties.
What if an employee works through lunch?
That time becomes paid work hours and may count toward overtime.
Are there penalties for unpaid work breaks?
Yes. Employers risk back pay, liquidated damages, and possible FLSA enforcement.
Harry is the creator of ArizonaPaycheckCalculator.com, a trusted resource for accurate and easy-to-use payroll and tax calculators. With a focus on clarity and precision, Harry helps Arizona residents understand their take-home pay, deductions, and withholdings. Dedicated to making complex calculations simple, he combines financial knowledge with user-friendly tools to save users time and confusion.