Employment law is a broad category of laws—statutes, case law (court opinions), rules, and regulations—that govern the relationship between an employer and an employee. Employment law includes state laws that only apply to employer-employee relationships in a given state, and federal laws that apply to employer-employee relationships in all states.

In North Dakota, employment law encompasses a variety of state statutes and regulations that govern the relationship between employers and employees. These laws cover areas such as minimum wage requirements, overtime pay, workplace safety, discrimination, and unemployment benefits. North Dakota adheres to the federal minimum wage, but employers can pay a training wage to certain employees. The state also follows the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for overtime pay, requiring employers to pay at least one and a half times the regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Additionally, North Dakota has its own laws against discrimination in the workplace, which are enforced by the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights. These laws prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or status with regard to marriage or public assistance. Furthermore, the state provides regulations for workers' compensation and unemployment insurance. While state laws are specific to North Dakota, federal employment laws such as the FLSA, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 apply to all states, including North Dakota, and provide a baseline of protections for employees.