Do You Have to Wear a Uniform at Work in New York? Understanding Uniform Maintenance Pay
January 31, 2025
Do You Have to Wear a Uniform at Work in New York? Understanding Uniform Maintenance Pay
Many employers in
New York
require workers to wear
uniforms
as part of their job. However, state labor laws
protect employees
by ensuring that if an employer mandates a uniform, they may be responsible for its
cost and maintenance
. At
LAWYERFORWORKERS
, we help
New York City workers
understand their rights regarding workplace uniforms and employer obligations.
Yes, employers in
New York
can require employees to wear
specific clothing
or
company-branded attire
. However, they must follow state labor laws regarding
who pays for the uniform and its upkeep
.
A
uniform
is defined as
clothing that is distinctive and required
by the employer, including:
Under
New York Labor Law
, if an employer
requires a uniform that requires daily cleaning or upkeep
, they must provide
uniform maintenance pay
unless:
The
uniform maintenance pay rates
vary based on hours worked and minimum wage rates. As of
2024
, the weekly uniform maintenance pay in
New York City
is:
If an employer
fails to reimburse uniform costs
or provide
maintenance pay
, workers may be entitled to
back pay and damages
. Employees can file a
wage complaint
with the
New York Department of Labor
or take legal action.
If you are required to wear a
uniform at work
and your employer is
not paying for maintenance
or
forcing you to cover uniform expenses
, you may be entitled to compensation. At
LAWYERFORWORKERS
, we fight to protect
New York City employees’ rights
and help recover unpaid wages and uniform costs.
 Are Employers Allowed to Require Uniforms?
- Company logo shirts
- Specialized workwear (e.g., medical scrubs, restaurant attire, security uniforms)
- Industry-specific gear (e.g., construction vests, aprons, chef coats)
How Does Uniform Maintenance Pay Work?
- The uniform is wash-and-wear and does not require special cleaning.
- The employer provides free laundering services .
Uniform Maintenance Pay Rates (2024)
- $18.65 per week for employees working over 30 hours per week.
- $14.75 per week for employees working between 20-30 hours per week.
- $8.90 per week for employees working under 20 hours per week.
What If an Employer Does Not Provide Uniform Pay?
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