List of US states by minimum wage

The List of U.S. states by minimum wage provides an overview of the minimum wage levels set by each state within the United States. The federal minimum wage is established by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), but states have the authority to mandate higher minimum wages for their jurisdictions. This list includes the minimum wage rates as applicable at the state level, along with any variations or exceptions based on business size, geographic location, or employee type (such as tipped employees).

Overview

The federal minimum wage in the United States is set by the United States Congress and is currently $7.25 per hour, a rate that has been in effect since July 24, 2009. States, however, can set their own minimum wages; if a state's minimum wage is higher than the federal rate, employers in that state must pay the higher rate.

Many states adjust their minimum wage rates annually based on the cost of living or inflation. These adjustments are intended to ensure that the purchasing power of minimum-wage earnings does not erode over time due to rising prices.

State-by-state minimum wages

Alabama

No state minimum wage (federal minimum applies)

Alaska

$10.34 per hour

Arizona

$12.80 per hour

Arkansas

$11.00 per hour

California

$14.00 per hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees, $15.00 per hour for employers with 26 or more employees

Colorado

$12.56 per hour

Connecticut

$13.00 per hour

Delaware

$10.50 per hour

Florida

$10.00 per hour

Georgia

$5.15 per hour (federal minimum applies to most employees)

Hawaii

$10.10 per hour

Idaho

$7.25 per hour (federal minimum applies)

Illinois

$11.00 per hour

Indiana

$7.25 per hour (federal minimum applies)

Iowa

$7.25 per hour (federal minimum applies)

Kansas

$7.25 per hour (federal minimum applies)

Exceptions and special cases

Some states have special provisions for tipped employees, small businesses, and certain sectors such as agriculture or hospitality. For example, in some states, employers are allowed to pay tipped employees a lower direct cash wage if the combination of tips and direct wages meets or exceeds the standard minimum wage.

Future legislation

Several states have passed legislation to gradually increase their minimum wages to $15.00 per hour over the coming years. These states include California, Illinois, and New Jersey, among others. This movement is part of a broader national campaign known as the "Fight for $15," which advocates for higher wages for low-income workers across the country.

See also

• Living wage
• Wage theft
• Income inequality in the United States
• List of countries by minimum wage