Indiana Employment Law

Indiana Civil Rights Law covers employers with 6+ employees. Does not include sexual orientation or gender identity. Age protection caps at 75.

At-Will

Yes

Right-to-Work

Yes

EEOC Deferral

300 days

Min. Wage

$7.25

Indiana State Laws (1)

IN Civil Rights Law

Ind. Code §§ 22-9-1-1 to 22-9-1-18

180 days
6+ employees

The Indiana Civil Rights Law prohibits employment discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, age (40 to 75), and veteran status. The Act applies to employers with six or more employees and requires complaints to be filed within 180 days of the discriminatory act. Notably, Indiana does NOT include sexual orientation or gender identity as protected classes, and its age discrimination protection is capped at 75, unlike the federal ADEA which has no upper age limit.

Protected Classes

racereligioncolorsexdisabilitynational originancestryage (40-75)veteran status

Key Provisions

  • ✓Prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, age (40-75), and veteran status
  • ✓Does NOT protect sexual orientation or gender identity
  • ✓Age discrimination protection applies only between ages 40 and 75
  • ✓Administered by the Indiana Civil Rights Commission which investigates complaints
  • ✓Covers hiring, firing, promotions, compensation, and all terms and conditions of employment

Remedies

Back payReinstatementCompensatory damagesCease-and-desist ordersAttorney fees and costsInjunctive relief
File with: Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC)180 days from the discriminatory act

Federal Laws That Apply in Indiana

These federal statutes protect workers nationwide, including in Indiana. As a deferral state, the EEOC filing deadline is extended to 300 days for most claims.

Title VII15+ employees
300 days
ADA15+ employees
300 days
ADEA20+ employees
300 days
EPA1+ employees
730 days
PDA15+ employees
300 days
PWFA15+ employees
300 days
FMLA50+ employees
730 days
FLSA1+ employees
730 days
Section 19811+ employees
1460 days
GINA15+ employees
300 days
USERRA1+ employees
— days
NLRA1+ employees
180 days
OSH Act1+ employees
30 days
WARN Act100+ employees
— days
Rehabilitation Act1+ employees
300 days
SOX Section 8061+ employees
180 days
INA Section 1324b4+ employees
180 days

Check which laws apply to your situation in Indiana

Our free assessment identifies applicable federal, state, and local protections based on your specific circumstances.

Check My Rights

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.Indiana laws are subject to legislative changes. Consult a qualified employment attorney in Indiana for advice about your specific situation. Last reviewed: February 2025.