Minimum Wage

Find out what the minimum wage is across the United States or in individual states, cities, counties, and even municipalities. Choose a state to start your minimum wage search.

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Minimum Wage Frequently Asked Questions

How often does the federal minimum wage change?

The federal minimum wage has not been increased since 2009 when it rose to $7.25 per hour. Demands for a living wage that is fair to workers has resulted in numerous location-based changes to minimum wage levels. Based on local legislation, many states have voted for wage increases that are on-going or scheduled for future enactment. Other states utilize an indexing formula, based on changes to the Consumer Price Index, to trigger changes to the minimum wage in that state or location that are sensitive to inflation. Minimum wages may differ dramatically within a state or region and can change overnight once these pre-determined conditions change. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

What is the federal minimum wage for tipped workers?

The federal minimum wage for tipped workers (known as the minimum cash wage) is $2.13 per hour, with other additional deductions permitted (for example for meals and lodging). Tipped workers are defined as employees receiving more than $30 per month in tips. Employers can claim a tip credit toward the federal minimum wage. A tip credit reduces the hourly minimum wage for qualifying employees by the amount of the credit. The maximum tip credit employers can claim is $5.12 per hour ($7.25 - $5.12 = $2.13). ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )
Minimum cash wages for tipped employees vary by state. Should a tipped worker's combined cash & tip minimum wage rate not meet the federal minimum wage level, employers in some states are required to pay tipped workers the difference. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

What is the difference between minimum wage, prevailing wage, and living wage?

Minimum Wage

The federal minimum wage is the lowest allowable rate of pay at which an employee may sell their work. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

Prevailing Wage

The prevailing wage refers to the rate of pay that contractors and vendors must offer their employees when doing business with a government agency. A prevailing wage requirement reduces the ability of vendors to "low ball" their proposed costs for government contracts to the detriment of their workers. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

Living Wage

Living wage is the lowest wage at which subsistence needs can be met by an employee. There is no concrete sum for a living wage, as the amount varies employee-to-employee, based on marital status, children, debt, etc. Living wage is not enforced by legislation. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )