This debate is both a matter of law and good will.
Knowing who should pay for what on the job–the employee or the employer–can be a matter of legality and diplomacy. For one thing, employers can invest more money into business growth if employees pay for personal items like work uniforms, but employees can take home a better living wage if employers pay for work uniforms. There could be pros and cons to each scenario. Below, we’ll take a look at who should pay for work uniforms.
Federal Law
For Regular Employees
Federal U.S. law requires that if employers choose to deduct work uniforms from their employees’ pay, the cost cannot fall below the federal minimum wage, which in 2026 is $7.25 an hour. If the employee will still make above $7.25 an hour even if they pay for their own work uniforms, it is legal on the federal level.
For Tipped Employees
If the employees in question can receive tips for their services, employers are generally unable to charge employees for their workwear, because the hourly wage will most likely be cut below the federal minimum wage.
For Work Requiring Special Work Uniforms
If employees are required by federal law, such as OSHA, to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), then the employer must pay for the work uniforms. The cost includes all associated costs, such as professional laundering and mending.
State Law
Multiple states outright prohibit employers from making employee wage deductions for employee work uniforms. In Maryland, where Lord Baltimore Uniform Rental serves many long-term clients, employers are legally allowed to pass on the cost of work uniforms through wage deduction with the employee’s signed authorization. Maryland employers must still adhere to federal law as well.
Who Should Pay for Work Uniforms?
It is generally considered best practice for employers to pay for any business expenses an employee must incur to perform the job, such as workwear bearing the company logo and colors unsuitable for everyday clothing. It is generally easier for larger companies to pay for these expenses; smaller companies might hand off the costs to the employee if it is legal and the employee agrees with the arrangement.
Why Work Uniforms Are Necessary
Work uniforms can be a piece of the puzzle that keeps the company bringing in more profit each year, which allows for yearly wage growth and promotions. With the right workwear, everyone can win in the long run.
Trust Your Employee Uniforms to the Professionals at Lord Baltimore
For over forty years, Lord Baltimore has provided cost-effective uniform rental services throughout the East Coast, including Maryland, Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, Southern Pennsylvania, and Delaware.
To learn more about how employee uniforms can help your business, please contact Joe Bateman at Lord Baltimore by calling 800-292-1224 or visit LordBaltimoreUniform.com. We also handle uniform and mat rentals and purchases for restaurants. Additionally, we also sell and rent uniforms, shop towels, fender covers, and mats for the manufacturing and automotive industries.