Meal and rest breaks
Meal and rest break rules for adult employees come mostly from state law, and they differ widely from state to state. The Department of Labor publishes a table of state meal period rules, and your employer may have its own break policy.
Do I get a lunch break by law?
It depends on your state. The Department of Labor's state meal period table is a good starting point; confirm with your state labor office.
Are breaks paid?
That depends on the kind of break, your state's rules and your employer's policy. Check your state labor office.
What about breaks to pump breast milk?
Federal law provides protections for nursing employees. See the Department of Labor and EEOC resources, and check state law.
Official sources to check
This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and differ by state and city. Last reviewed October 2026. How answers are made
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