Employment Basics

In almost every state employment is 'at will': either side can end it at any time, for almost any reason, with no notice and no redundancy pay. If you're used to European protections, this is the difference to understand first.

There's a federal minimum wage, but many states and cities set a higher one — and where they differ, you get the higher rate. Overtime rules depend on whether your role is classified as exempt.

Every new hire completes an I-9 proving they may work in the US. Employers must verify it — but they're also barred from demanding specific documents or treating you differently because you're foreign.