2026 HR Compliance Guide
Michigan HR Compliance Deadlines for 2026
1 verified employment law change affecting Michigan employers in 2026 — with effective dates, required actions, and penalties for non-compliance. Every entry cites an official government or agency source.
Michigan state law changes
Michigan Minimum Wage Increase to $13.73/hr
Michigan's minimum wage increases from $12.48 to $13.73 per hour on January 1, 2026, following the Michigan Supreme Court's 2024 ruling reinstating the original Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act. This represents a dramatic $3.17/hr increase. The tipped minimum wage also increases substantially, and the tipped credit is set to phase out over subsequent years.
New: $13.73/hr (was $12.48/hr)
Applies to: All Michigan employers
What to do: Immediately update payroll systems for the substantial $3.17/hr increase, significantly adjust tipped employee pay structures, retrain managers on the new tipped wage rules, update all wage postings, and budget for increased labor costs.
Penalty: Back wages, civil penalties, criminal misdemeanor charges, and fines up to $1,000
Federal deadlines that also apply
These federal requirements apply to Michigan employers alongside the state rules above.
Stay compliant — and turn it into recertification credits
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