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Arizona Employment Law: Your Complete Guide to Worker Rights (2025)

Arizona is an at-will employment state with the Employment Protection Act providing significant protection against wrongful termination. Arizona has a state minimum wage higher than federal, and the Arizona Civil Rights Act (ACRA) provides strong anti-discrimination protections.

This guide covers all major areas of Arizona employment law.

Arizona Employment Law Overview

Key Facts:

  • At-will employment state: With notable exceptions under EPA
  • Right-to-work state: Cannot be required to join union
  • Minimum wage: $14.70/hour (2025) – higher than federal
  • State discrimination law: ACRA covers employers with 15+ employees
  • Paid sick leave: Required under Prop 206

Major Areas of Arizona Employment Law

Wrongful Termination in Arizona

Arizona follows at-will employment, but the Employment Protection Act provides important protections.

Protected from termination for:

  • Discrimination (ACRA)
  • Whistleblowing
  • Refusing to violate law
  • Exercising statutory rights
  • Workers’ compensation retaliation
  • Jury duty

Learn more:

  • Arizona Employment Protection Act
  • At-will exceptions
  • Proving wrongful termination

Workplace Discrimination in Arizona

The Arizona Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on protected characteristics.

Protected characteristics:

  • Race, color, national origin
  • Sex (including pregnancy)
  • Religion
  • Age (40+)
  • Disability
  • Genetic information

Key details:

  • ACRA covers 15+ employees
  • File with ACRD (Attorney General)
  • 180-day deadline
  • Works with EEOC

Wages and Hours in Arizona

Arizona provides better wage protections than many states.

Key provisions:

  • Minimum wage: $14.70/hour (2025)
  • Overtime: 1.5x after 40 hours (federal FLSA)
  • Paid sick leave required
  • Final paycheck rules

Leave Laws in Arizona

Arizona requires paid sick leave and follows federal FMLA.

Leave types:

  • Paid sick leave (Prop 206)
  • Federal FMLA (50+ employees)
  • Jury duty leave
  • Voting leave

Employment Contracts in Arizona

Arizona enforces reasonable restrictive covenants.

Common agreements:

  • Non-compete agreements (enforced if reasonable)
  • Non-disclosure agreements
  • Severance agreements
  • Arbitration clauses

Arizona-Specific Protections

Employment Protection Act (EPA)

Provides:

  • Written exceptions to at-will
  • Implied contract protection
  • Good faith and fair dealing
  • Public policy exception

Arizona Civil Rights Act (ACRA)

Covers:

  • Discrimination protections
  • Harassment claims
  • Retaliation protection
  • 15+ employee employers

Prop 206 – Paid Sick Leave

Requirements:

  • Accrued paid sick time
  • 1 hour per 30 hours worked
  • Up to 24-40 hours/year
  • All employers covered

Filing Complaints in Arizona

Arizona Attorney General – ACRD

Civil Rights Division:

  • Phone: 602-542-5263
  • Phoenix office
  • Handles ACRA claims
  • Workshares with EEOC

EEOC

Federal claims:

  • Phone: 1-800-669-4000
  • Phoenix: 602-640-5000
  • Federal discrimination
  • 300-day deadline with worksharing

Industrial Commission

Wage claims:

  • Phone: 602-542-4515
  • Unpaid wages
  • Minimum wage violations

Arizona Employment Law Quick Reference

Topic Arizona Law
Minimum wage $14.70/hour (2025)
Overtime FLSA (1.5x after 40 hrs)
Discrimination agency ACRD (AG’s office)
Filing deadline 180 days ACRD / 300 days EEOC
Employer coverage 15+ employees (ACRA)
Paid sick leave Yes (Prop 206)
At-will exceptions EPA provides protections

Key Arizona Employment Statutes

Arizona Revised Statutes:

  • A.R.S. § 23-1501 – Employment Protection Act
  • A.R.S. § 41-1461 et seq. – Arizona Civil Rights Act
  • A.R.S. § 23-363 – Minimum Wage Act
  • A.R.S. § 23-371 – Wage Payment Act

Related Topics

Legal Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Arizona employment law and is not legal advice. For specific advice, consult a licensed Arizona employment attorney.

For official information:

  • Arizona Attorney General: https://www.azag.gov | 602-542-5263
  • Arizona Industrial Commission: 602-542-4515
  • EEOC Phoenix: 602-640-5000