Can an employer require an hourly waged employee to show up early, but not pay them? An example your normal work tim is 9 to 5, but the employer requires you to be there at 8:45 for prep time.

If you are required to be at work at 8:45, then the employer must start paying you at 8:45. You may contact your State's Department of Labor and file a complaint if the employer refuses to pay you for that time.