What state has the lowest minimum wage. Nov 8, 2023 · Many states have no minimum wage but they are propped up by the federal minimum of $7. † The Iowa minimum wage has not been changed since at least 2008. Dec 31, 2024 · Key Takeaways The minimum wage is the lowest amount an employer can legally pay an hourly worker under the Fair Labor Standards Act. U. 15 per hour. 25 per hour, a rate that has been in effect since July 24, 2009, as stipulated by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The minimum wage is the lowest hourly wage that an employer can pay an employee for labor. The federal minimum wage in the United States has been $7. Mar 12, 2021 · Prospects for raising the federal minimum wage, which has stood at $7. Nov 20, 2024 · The minimum wage is set by both the federal government and the states. The minimum wage in Iowa is $7. Minimum Wage Minimum Wage The minimum wage in California, effective January 1, 2025, is $16. In the United States, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes various labor regulations, including the minimum wage Oct 24, 2016 · Meanwhile, there appears to be a partisan divide: in 13 out of 20 red states the federal minimum applies, whereas in all 14 blue states local legislatures have set a higher rate. Dec 12, 2024 · What is the minimum wage in Georgia? Technically, state minimum wage law is $5. 15/hour) of the 45 states that have a minimum wage requirement. 56 per hour starting January 1 and rising to $12. In Georgia and Wyoming, it is $5. 25 per hour in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming. Jan 15, 2024 · If it were included, then the District of Columbia would have the highest state minimum wage since its minimum wage rate is $17. 25, businesses are now operating in a highly fractured labor market. The federal minimum wage applies across all states in the USA. 60 per hour. The lowest minimum wages based on state law were $5. Many states also have minimum wage laws. Here are the minimum wages for every state: May 25, 2023 · What is minimum wage? The minimum wage represents the lowest reimbursement an employer is required to pay to their covered nonexempt employees. In such cases where an employee is subject to local, state, and federal minimum wage laws, it's important to note that the employee is entitled to receive the higher minimum wage. 25 federal minimum wage. Under In the United States, the minimum wage is the amount legally authorised to be paid to employees per hour. However, most employees are covered by the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act, which mandates a minimum wage of $7. The minimum wage is not merely a matter of determining how much workers in the lowest pay bracket should earn; it has profound implications for the economy, business practices, and the overall quality of life for Jul 1, 2025 · State Minimum Wages Summary Currently, 34 states, territories and districts have minimum wages above the federal minimum wage of $7. What state has lowest minimum wage? Mississippi. Feb 11, 2024 · States With a Minimum Wage Lower Than the Federal Rate Three states have established a minimum wage lower than the federal rate. However, under these laws, employees who work in an executive, administrative or professional (EAP) capacity are exempt from overtime pay if they satisfy, among other things, the salary level requirements for their exemption. If a state does not have a minimum wage, we use the federal minimum wage floor of $7. This is a list of the official minimum wage rates of the 50 U. Oct 1, 2024 · Just over half of U. The last time the minimum wage raised in Georgia was in 2009. The graphic below displays the top 10 states with the highest minimum wage rates in 2024. After choosing the minimum wage, tip credit, or cash wage tab, hover over any state to reveal a pop-up with details, including employee thresholds and effective dates. The tipped rate is Nov 10, 2022 · Minimum Wage By State Trends Given that the federal minimum wage has stayed stagnant for some time, the majority of states have decided to create their own minimum wages. In fact, 22 states are experiencing wage increases in 2025. have a minimum wage higher than the federal minimum wage, though several states do not have minimum wage laws (which means workers in those states default to the federal minimum wage). While many states raise the minimum wage at the start of the year – including neighboring Maine and Key Takeaways The minimum wage is the lowest amount an employer can legally pay an hourly worker under the Fair Labor Standards Act. View updated hourly wage rates by U. Michigan’s minimum wage will increase in two steps in 2025: $10. 25 an hour for the first 90 calendar days of employment Jun 20, 2025 · The federal minimum wage is currently set at $7. 17. When the state rate is lower than the federal rate, the federal minimum wage of $7. Apr 15, 2025 · What state has the lowest minimum wage? No one state has the lowest minimum wage, and many states default to the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act, which sets the national baseline. Those making less than $500,000 in revenue may also be eligible if they conduct commerce or communicate regularly over state lines. What used to be a standard wage rate has become a maze of state minimum wage laws, local wage requirements, and annual adjustments tied to inflation. The wage is set by the federal government and by states. Adjusted for This report explores the history of low and no minimum wage states and explains the overlap of race with economic data to assess the impact on the Black community. Minimum-Wage. 50/hour for all employers. And at the other end of the spectrum, the state with the highest minimum hourly wage is California at $12. 25 per hour for covered workers. Two states—Wyoming and Georgia—have a state minimum wage that’s below $7. The federal minimum wage for 2024 is $7. In 2025 alone, more than 20 states saw an increase in their minimum wage. Individual states can establish their own minimum wages, provided they are higher than the federal minimum wage. 20 an hour, or $29,542 a year. Find out where people are earning more per hour in 2024. In the United States, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938 created the current minimum wage system, and it imposed an initial wage rate of 25 cents per hour. , where cost of living tends to be higher. The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) set the first federal minimum wage at $0. Some cities and counties have higher minimum wages than the state Sep 27, 2021 · As history has taught us, it takes a lot to get companies to increase wages. TRENDING Apr 27, 2021 · The federal minimum wage is $7. Learn about recent increases, federal vs. Iowa's state minimum wage rate is $7. 25 per hour, these localized increases reflect a concerted effort to provide more equitable compensation and stimulate The federal minimum wage for covered nonexempt employees is $7. Apr 7, 2025 · The states with the lowest minimum wage are Georgia and Wyoming, each at $5. In all eight of these states, the federal minimum Jul 31, 2025 · Alabama No state minimum wage law. Some states have regional minimums (e. 13 per hour, as long as the hourly wage plus tip income equals at least the minimum wage. Forty-five states The minimum wage in the United States, the legally mandated lowest amount a worker can be paid, has seen an increase in more than twenty states starting January 1, 2025. It provides an overview of the federal minimum wage, state-specific rates, and the implications of these wages on workers and the economy. The Feb 11, 2024 · In 1938, the Fair Labor Standards Act established the federal minimum wage. Here are six states that have the most favorable ratio of minimum wage to cost of living, where you can get the best bang for your buck. Search any state to gather detailed minimum wage information, which may include upcoming changes, tipped minimum wages, and detailed data for cities. Apr 1, 2025 · As of April 2025, numerous states, cities, and counties in the United States have proactively adjusted their minimum wage rates, aiming to address the rising cost of living and enhance workers’ financial stability. 25 per hour since July 2009, the last time Congress raised it. 74 in 2023 dollars). Facts about the Minimum WageMinimum Wage – In Your State What State Minimum Wage Is The Lowest Minimum Wage by State 2024 District of Columbia 17 Washington 15 74 California 15 50 Connecticut 15 Massachusetts 15 New York 15 Jun 30, 2025 · States can set their own minimum wages, but most jobs fall under federal wage laws that guarantee at least $7. Mississippi Living Wage, Individual: $14. 22, 2025, the federal minimum wage remains $7. , at $5. These are subminimum Jan 1, 2002 · The Economic Policy Institute Minimum Wage Tracker The federal minimum wage has not been raised since 2009. This guide explains minimum wage requirements, how different laws interact, and what rights workers have. 53 when adjusted for inflation). Persons under the age of 20 may be paid $4. While the federal minimum wage remains unchanged at $7. Minimum Wage by State (2025 Chart) The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets the federal minimum wage, but states can establish higher rates. Jan 4, 2025 · The issue of minimum wage remains a hotly debated topic in the United States, with advocates and critics presenting arguments that highlight its economic and social implications. states and the federal district of Washington, D. Jan 20, 2023 · What state has the lowest minimum wage? Two states, Georgia and Wyoming, have a minimum wage of $5. According to Fox, 2020, 29 states have minimum wages above the Jul 3, 2025 · Minimum wages can change every year. Below is a list of each state's minimum Jan 1 2024 0183 32 Federal minimum wage is still 7 25 but more than 20 states are increasing their minimum wage in 2025 Washington state and Washington D C have the Jun 17, 2025 · With the highest minimum wage rates creeping above $20 per hour in some cities, and the lowest minimum wage still stuck at the federal baseline of $7. However, that applies only to employers Feb 10, 2025 · Minimum wages vary widely state by state, with some states using the federal minimum wage of $7. This minimum wage by state chart tracks minimum wage requirements for federal and state laws and legislation that can change annually for any state. The minimum wage, unchanged since 2009 federally, may shock the residents of some states, especially those earning a rock-bottom tipped minimum wage. Discover which state States With the Lowest Minimum Wage The minimum wage in the United States is quite confusing, especially when we consider the state minimum wages. 55 to $7. This is the same as the current Federal Minimum Wage rate. The state has chosen to align its minimum wage with the federal level, citing concerns about potential negative impacts on businesses and job growth that could arise from raising the minimum wage. This information comes from the U. Minimum Wage Chart 2022 – 2026 The Interactive Minimum Wage Chart and Map shows the current minimum wage, maximum tip credit, and minimum cash wage for each state. 00 per hour (from July 2024). 25 per hour, according to the Fair May 31, 2024 · What Is Minimum Wage? Minimum wage is the lowest hourly rate an employer can pay an employee, according to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Employers subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act must pay the current Federal minimum wage of $7. Sep 2, 2024 · A number of states across the country have been implementing minimum wage increases this year. Jul 1, 2024 · Stay compliant with 2025 minimum wage laws. Twenty (20) states used the federal minimum wage rate of $7. No such employer can propose a wage lower than the federal minimum or the minimum prescribed by state law (whichever applies). In cases where an employee is subject to both the state and federal minimum wage laws, the employee is entitled to the higher of the two minimum wages. Dec 10, 2024 · There are 23 states increasing the minimum wage for workers in 2025, with the lowest being over $10. 25 per hour ($10. 25, it’s key to understand the exact wage requirements of the state (s) where you operate. The minimum wage is the lowest hourly pay rate employers can legally pay most workers. Jul 23, 2025 · The federal minimum wage has been increased by Congress 22 times, most recently in 2009 from $6. Feb 17, 2025 · Explore the minimum wage by State in 2025. In all eight of these states, the federal minimum Georgia and Wyoming have the lowest minimum wage of $5. Apr 3, 2025 · The federally mandated minimum wage in the United States is 7. The first US federal minimum Jun 15, 2025 · The minimum wage varies from state to state in the USA. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] For comparisons to other countries see: List of countries by minimum wage. In 2025, 21 states increased (or are scheduled to increase) their minimum wage rates. This variable indicates minimum wage enforced on a state-by-state basis. The minimum wage applies to most employees in Iowa, with limited exceptions including tipped employees, some student workers, and other exempt occupations. 15 per hour, below the federal minimum. 25 per hour (the equivalent of $4. What Is the Minimum Wage in All 50 States? The minimum wage differs from state to state since the cost of living varies a lot across the country. In all eight of these states, the federal minimum Feb 20, 2020 · The state with the second-lowest wage is Wyoming with a minimum hourly pay rate of $5. Every state has its own minimum wage, but it can't be less than the federal minimum wage. 25, ranging from as low as $8. While many states still follow the federal requirement of $7. 25. Jan 1, 2025 · State Minimum Wages Summary Currently, 34 states, territories and districts have minimum wages above the federal minimum wage of $7. History of the United States' Minimum Wage The minimum wage is a cornerstone of the United States' labor system, and has been a cutting-edge labor law topic among employers and workers alike for decades. states have minimum wages above the federal rate, but higher wages often accompany a steeper cost of living. Five states have not adopted a state minimum wage: Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee. Does this mean that minimum wage workers in red-leaning states are earning less than their Democrat-voting counterparts elsewhere? Jan 2, 2024 · Here are the states with the highest and lowest minimum wage: The highest in 2024 will be in Washington, where minimum wage workers will receive $17. As of Jul 15, 2025 · Which states have the highest minimum wage? Here is the list These are the US states leading the way with the highest minimum wages in 2025, reflecting a strong push to improve working conditions. What states have the lowest minimum wage? The lowest minimum wage is Oct 6, 2024 · The federal minimum wage is $7. Also: 2 Dividend Release Table for 2025, Release Tables: Federal and State Minimum Wage Rates, Annual. The establishment of a federal minimum wage law in the 1930s went a long way towards preventing the gross underpayment Jul 1, 2025 · State Minimum Wages Summary Currently, 34 states, territories and districts have minimum wages above the federal minimum wage of $7. In states that allow a tip credit, a certain amount of received tips per hour may be credited against the minimum wage by an employer, although the tipped employee must receive at least the minimum wage (with combined cash wage and tips) each hour. General minimum wage by territory, as of February 2023 This is a list of the official minimum wage rates of the 193 United Nations member states and former members of the United Nations, also including the following territories and states with limited recognition (Northern Cyprus, Kosovo, etc. In the absence of action at the national level, many states and localities have raised their own minimum wages. Read what you need to know about every state’s minimum hourly wage policy. 25 per hour. The federal minimum wage applies to employees working for companies with revenues of $500,000 or more. And millions of workers–domestic caregivers, farmworkers, student workers, tipped wage workers, workers with disabilities–are not even entitled to $7. Compare the minimum wage by state for more insights. states and territories. Many states have mandated minimum wages that are different from the federal minimum Jun 21, 2025 · Explore minimum wage rates across all 50 states for 2025. S. What is the minimum wage in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia? Apr 30, 2024 · The lowest minimum wage rate is paid in two states, one of which is Georgia. GovDocs followers should keep an eye out for the upcoming Minimum Wage Rate Guide, which will have rates for large employers in counties and cities. That‘s $290 a week or $15,000 a year. 25, but many states have there own minimum wage laws. [7] [85] [186] Dec 1, 2023 · In this article, we look at 20 states with the highest minimum wage and low cost of living to see the extent to which wages cover the cost of living in these states. What state has the lowest minimum wage? Two states, Georgia and Wyoming, have a minimum wage of $5. Find the minimum wage rates in each state. 17. 50/hour) Lowest: Georgia and Wyoming at $5. Answer: Highest: Washington at $16. According to the Department of Labor (DOL), states have to adhere to the federal minimum wage law if their state minimum wage is lower than the federal rate. For jobs covered by federal labor laws, the hourly wage cannot fall below this level. 25 which has not been adjusted in over a decade. Fast Food Restaurant employers, effective April 1, 2024, and Healthcare Facility employers, effective October 16, 2024 (see below), have a higher minimum wage. Comprehensive and regularly updated information from official sources. For states that are subject to both state and federal minimum wage laws, the higher of the two minimum wages applies. 20 Living Wage, Family of 4: $19. Jul 11, 2025 · View each state's 2025 minimum wage rate (and rates proposed for 2025) in a user-friendly table and learn how federal law could shape future rates. May 29, 2024 · Tipped minimum wage is the lowest amount employers can pay tipped workers. While some states boast high wages, others lag behind, adhering to the federal minimum. $7. Minimum wage is typically computed on a per-hour or per-month basis, but may occasionally appear as a per-day or per-week rate. Businesses were required to pay employees at least $0. A plus indicates that this rate has a scheduled or potential mid-year adjustment coming. State minimum wages vary widely, influenced by local legislation and economic factors. However, federal minimum wage laws require most workers in these states to be paid at least $7. FRED: Download, graph, and track economic data. 36 Minimum Wage: $7. 00 an hour. With Deel’s built-in compliance and local in-house experts, US employers can stay on top of minimum wage changes without the manual work. 25 per hour, but many states have higher rates. Which State Has The Lowest Minimum Wage 2024 - In 2023 Washington has the highest state level minimum wage in the nation That means an exempt employee will have to earn at least 1 302 40 Jan 3, 2024 · Rates with an asterisk indicate that one or more cities/counties within that state has a different minimum wage rate and/or different rates based on employer size, the number of employees or employee benefits. But that won't be the case for Jul 31, 2025 · 10 West Virginia. 25 per hour, but some states have set their own minimum wages, which may be higher or lower than the federal rate. Nov 12, 2022 · What state has the lowest minimum wage? Two states, Georgia and Wyoming, have a minimum wage of $5. Nine states’ minimum wages were scheduled to be raised, and 13 more had raises due to an indexed automatic annual adjustment. 15 an hour. state and city to ensure your business meets local requirements. The state minimum wage law applies only to employers with six or more employees and to state agencies. Dec 20, 2024 · Summary More than 20 states are raising their minimum wages in 2025. 25 U. dollars per hour, although the minimum wage varies from state to state. Will all states have $15 minimum wage? How many states have a $15 minimum wage? As January 2022, the answer is just one — California (for employers with 26 or more workers). Lowest Minimum Wage: Georgia and Wyoming have set their minimum wage at $5. Others have not moved as swiftly. Most states plus D. 25 per hour, overriding the lower state rates. Will this affect Tennessee?. Search our database for the current state minimum wage rates and laws in your area, or visit our Minimum Wage FAQ page to get answers to your labor law, minimum wage, or workplace related questions. To maintain a living wage, an individual will need to make $14. Jun 3, 2025 · Although the federal minimum wage is $7. In situations where federal and state minimum wage rates differ, the higher rate prevails. Nov 19, 2024 · The lowest minimum wage rate is paid in two states, one of which is Georgia. The wage system is controlled by three-tier laws; the federal, state, and municipal. A country’s minimum wage is the lowest amount of money that employers in that country are legally allowed to pay their workers for a given unit of work. 25/hour but in this case the federal wage takes effect. 75 to $14 in nation-leading California. 11 The following states do not have state minimum wage laws: Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The minimum wage in the United States, the legally mandated lowest amount a worker can be paid, has seen an increase in more than twenty states starting January 1, 2025. The Federal Minimum Wage in the United States is currently $7. See minimum wage in the United States for much more info, including detailed state-by-state and city-by-city breakdown of the facts and numbers, and more info on US territories See full list on paycor. state laws, and how wage trends impact businesses and employees. was a state it would have the highest at $17. In truth, though, for the past several years most of the real action on minimum wages has been in states, counties and cities Aug 2, 2021 · Minimum wage workers in 24 states across the country will enjoy a pay bump in 2021, as a bipartisan group of state legislatures continue to hike wages for some of the country's lowest earners. 15 per hour; however, this number is overridden by the $7. Oct 14, 2021 · Currently, 30 states have enacted their own minimum wages above the federal minimum of $7. Since 2009, the federal minimum wage rate has remained at $7. The minimum wage has since then increased a total of 22 times, the most recent in 2009. State and local jurisdictions have a right to establish their own wage laws separate from the federal minimum wage, making the location where work is performed a key element of labor and employment law. NEW STATE MINIMUM WAGES IN 2024 On the first day of the new year, several states increased their minimum wage. Dec 11, 2024 · The minimum wage in the USA is determined at three levels: federal, state, and local. org is your one-stop resource for current minimum wage rates, state labor laws, and employer labor law posters. Nov 26, 2022 · However, the states with lowest minimum wage typically have a lower cost of living compared to states like Washington, Massachusetts, and California, which are states with the highest minimum wage. Wage laws in the United States operate at federal, state, and sometimes local levels. 15 per hour, the lowest in the country. Note: There are 12 states (AK, AZ, CO, FL, MO, MT, NJ, NV, OH, OR, SD, and WA) that have minimum wages that are linked to a consumer price index. Jul 1, 2025 · State Minimum Wages Summary Currently, 34 states, territories and districts have minimum wages above the federal minimum wage of $7. Some countries may have a very complicated minimum wage system; for Jan 29, 2025 · The minimum wage is a legally mandated price floor on hourly wages below which nonexempt workers can't work. , its territories, and its possessions. Congress has adjusted the minimum wage 22 times since then, most recently in 2009 when it raised the rate to $7. C. The federal minimum wage has been stuck at $7. 15/hour ** (most workers default to federal minimum wage of $7. 15 for employers exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act, according to the Department of Labor. Rates vary between counties, states, and cities, largely depending on the area’s cost of living. Since 1938, the federal wage has been increased Fact checked by Vikki Velasquez Georgia and Wyoming share the dubious honor of having the lowest state-mandated minimum wages in the U. In the United States, the federal minimum wage is $7. 48 per hour on February 21, pending inflation adjustments. States do this for a variety of economic and humanitarian reasons, with some arguing that Americans need at least $15 per hour to tackle the cost of living, while others simply hope a higher minimum wage will stimulate the Feb 24, 2025 · State minimum wage rates are typically governed by each individual state’s legislative activities. This southeastern state has a minimum wage of just $5. In all eight of these states, the federal minimum State Minimum Wage Rates Updates Attention: 2025 has Minimum Wage Updates across 20+ States Effective January 1st, 2025. What is Minimum Wage? Minimum wage is the lowest hourly rate of pay an employer can legally pay their employees. State Under federal and state laws, employers must compensate their employees with one and one-half their regular rate of pay for any hours of overtime work. 25, but many states set their own minimum wage. g. 25, but the rate is … Continue reading “Minimum Wage by State (2025)” Several states have their own minimum wage laws in place that are different from the rate set by the FLSA. Find out the current minimum wage rates for every state in the United States for 2024. Employers of all sizes are required by law to post Labor Law notices reflect the minimum wage rates. As of January 1, 2025, the District of Columbia had Jun 10, 2025 · Looking for updated minimum wage rates by state for 2025? Discover which states lead the way, who's lagging behind, and how changes might impact employers and employees. Explore the map to see how these rapidly changing laws differ across the country. Cost of living also varies widely from place to place. Where is the minimum wage increasing in 2025? There are a total of 21 states that have seen increases to the minimum wage in 2025 effective January 1, 2025. 25 an hour. In 1968, the Federal US minimum wage for jobs covered under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, was $1. 25 Mississippi has one of the lowest living costs in the country, but it also regularly ranks as one of the worst states to live in. Feb 26, 2025 · Discover the 2025 minimum wage by state and learn about upcoming changes. While many organizations pay above the federal minimum, this law helps protect workers with lower wages and fewer job opportunities from exploitation. 68/hour (if Washington, D. Jun 10, 2025 · For the states that already have minimum wage rates at or above $15 an hour, the change likely won’t be as significant. 25/hr and some more than $15/hr. Sep 17, 2019 · The federal government has set the minimum wage to $7. Georgia and Wyoming have the lowest minimum wage for workers who don't Jan 1, 2025 · There are 13 states plus the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands that have a minimum wage requirement that is the same as the federal minimum wage requirement. Updated July 1, 2025 Minimum Wage By States In Usa - And 13 states have minimum wage laws that equal the federal minimum of 7 25 per hour Idaho Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky New Hampshire North Carolina Discover the states with the lowest minimum wage, key factors affecting wages, and how they compare to the federal minimum wage. 25 per hour across the US, however, some states have a minimum wage higher than the federal minimum. 15 in Georgia and Wyoming, which were lower than the federal government's requirement. Minimum wages were first utilized to address the exploitation of workers in sweatshops and then came to be seen In 2025, the landscape of minimum wage in the United States reveals stark contrasts. 25 supersedes state law for most types of employees. The current federal minimum wage is $7. The lowest minimum wage rate is $7. 25 an hour since 2009, appear to have stalled out yet again, despite broad public support for the idea. The federal minimum wage has been $7. Alabama has the lowest minimum wage in the US, set at $7. 15, but it defaults to the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act since it is higher, at $7. Jul 14, 2025 · In the United States, the minimum wage landscape is a complex mosaic where federal, state and local laws intertwine to determine workers' pay. 4 days ago · Find 2025 minimum wage rates, tipped employee wages, youth worker wages, overtime rules, and labor law exceptions for all U. In this article, we will explore which state has the lowest minimum wage. Three states, Georgia, Oklahoma and Wyoming, have a minimum wage below $7. While there is a federal minimum wage Mar 14, 2025 · The minimum wage is a crucial aspect of a country’s labor laws, ensuring that employees receive a fair and decent compensation for their work. 25 an hour, the minimum an employer must pay depends on the state in which the employee resides. This page lists the states, cities, and counties with the highest minimum wage rates in the United States, as well as those that adopt the lowest permitted minimum wage rate (the Federal minimum wage What is the Lowest Minimum Wage in the US? This article explores the current landscape of minimum wage rates across the United States, focusing specifically on the states with the lowest minimum wage. 25 per hour, many state and municipal governments have introduced higher minimum wages that apply to workers within their jurisdiction. Stay compliant with wage laws and ensure fair pay for your employees. Most states (and even cities) have their own minimum hourly wage rate, with most being higher than the federal rate. This does not apply to employers who are subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act and are required to pay the federal minimum wage. Find the rules and minimum amount for your state in our article. Its purpose is to establish a baseline standard of living and The minimum wage in the United States, the legally mandated lowest amount a worker can be paid, has seen an increase in more than twenty states starting January 1, 2025. The map below shows state minimum wages as of January 1, 2024. ) and other independent countries. Georgia has a state minimum wage law, but it does not apply to tipped employees. com Feb 3, 2025 · Federal minimum wage laws and provisions apply to all employees working in the U. It establishes the lowest compensation that employers can pay their employees, ensuring a basic standard of living for the workforce. 25 since 2009. The remaining 7 states and American Samoa do not have an established minimum wage requirement or have a minimum wage below the federal minimum wage. 05–$12. Struggling to keep up with minimum wage changes across multiple locations? Discover how GovDocs Minimum Wage can simplify compliance at the state, city, and county levels. Jan 4, 2025 · Minimum Wage by State: Understanding the Landscape of Earnings in the United States Minimum wage is a key economic policy that affects millions of workers in the United States. 25 per hour for 15 years. Some states have two sets of minimum wage guidelines. However, the United States hasn't always had a minimum wage. Regulations at federal and state levels help ensure businesses comply. 25) Questions: What types of jobs typically earn the minimum wage? The federal minimum wage is The minimum wage is the lowest amount an employer may pay a worker for an hour of work, with the exception of tipped wage workers who may receive a subminimum wage as long as their wages with tips amount to at least the mandated minimum wage per hour. Jun 17, 2025 · In order to stay in compliance with state minimum wage laws in 2025, it is a must to know about a set of rules that can heavily alter your company’s finances and work environment. Some states raised their own minimum wages since it hasn't been increased since July 2009. Learn which states offer a minimum wage increase and how your business can comply with wage requirements. [41] Some types of labor are exempt: Employers may pay tipped labor a minimum of $2. Most of the states with higher minimum wages are located in the western or northeastern U. Jan 1, 2017 · The states of Georgia and Wyoming have the lowest minimum wage ($5. Wyoming Image Credit: Shutterstock / f11photo What is the minimum wage? The minimum wage is the lowest an employer can pay an employee for work performed. Dec 2, 2024 · The map above shows the difference between current state minimum wage rates in 2024 with what they would have been had they been kept inline with inflation from 1968. Department of Labor, as of January 1, 2025. No state minimum wage law. , New York State at $15 and New York City at $16 Dec 20, 2024 · New Hampshire has the lowest minimum wage in New England, and will continue to in 2025. Some have been more adaptive as times and costs have risen. Aug 7, 2022 · Only 5 states have never adopted a state minimum wage, including: Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee. This change is crucial for Oct 19, 2024 · Eighteen states either match the federal benchmark, or don’t have a state minimum at all (which makes the federal minimum applicable). Minimum Wage In American States - This page lists the states cities and counties with the highest minimum wage rates in the United States as well as those that adopt the lowest permitted minimum wage rate the Federal minimum wage Jan 1, 2025 · As of Jan. 25 per hour is currently the federal minimum wage. 25/hour. Jul 31, 2025 · Alabama No state minimum wage law. 9 states increased their minimum wage by a dollar or more, including: Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, Rhode Island, and Virginia. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. In all eight of these states, the federal minimum While the nationwide Federal minimum wage rate is $7. kco nne zaz vhqpx svmyhz skefj vtf ppk isrdcnud ujyn
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