A Guide to Minimum Wage by State in the US
In this article, you will learn about Minimum Wage by State in the US – Ensure compliance and optimize operations with this detailed guide on managing wage regulations.
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Introduction
Minimum wage laws set the lowest hourly rate that employers can legally pay their workers. These laws are essential for ensuring that workers receive fair compensation for their labor, helping to reduce poverty, promote economic stability, and protect the most vulnerable members of the workforce. By establishing a baseline wage, these laws aim to provide workers with a decent standard of living and reduce income inequality.
The impact of minimum wage laws on society is profound. They help to uplift the earnings of low-income workers, thereby improving their quality of life and reducing reliance on social welfare programs. For businesses, complying with minimum wage laws is crucial to avoid legal risks, maintain a positive public image, and ensure fair treatment of employees. A well-compensated workforce tends to be more productive and engaged, which can lead to better business outcomes.
US Federal Minimum Wage Laws
As of 2024, the following federal laws govern minimum wage in the United States:
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- Federal Minimum Wage: The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour for non-exempt employees. This rate applies to most workers in the private sector as well as federal, state, and local government employees.
- Tipped Employees: Under the FLSA, tipped employees can be paid a lower cash wage of $2.13 per hour, provided that their tips bring their total earnings up to at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
- Youth Minimum Wage: The FLSA allows employers to pay a youth minimum wage of $4.25 per hour to employees under 20 years old during their first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Civil Penalties: Employers who violate federal minimum wage laws may face civil penalties, including payment of back wages, liquidated damages, and fines.
- Criminal Penalties: Willful violations can lead to criminal prosecution, with penalties including fines and imprisonment.
Minimum Wage Laws in Alabama
- State Minimum Wage: Alabama does not have a state minimum wage law. Employers in Alabama are required to follow the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who fail to pay the federal minimum wage in Alabama may face penalties, including payment of back wages, fines, and potential lawsuits.
Minimum Wage Laws in Alaska
- State Minimum Wage: As of 2024, Alaska’s minimum wage is $10.85 per hour, which is higher than the federal minimum wage.
- Tipped Employees: Tipped employees in Alaska must be paid the full state minimum wage of $10.85 per hour, as tip credits are not allowed.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with Alaska’s minimum wage laws can result in penalties, including back pay, fines, and legal action.
Minimum Wage Laws in Arizona
- State Minimum Wage: Arizona’s minimum wage is $13.85 per hour as of 2024.
- Tipped Employees: Employers may pay tipped employees $10.85 per hour, provided that tips bring their total earnings up to at least $13.85 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who violate Arizona’s minimum wage laws may face penalties, including payment of back wages, fines, and potential lawsuits.
Minimum Wage Laws in Arkansas
- State Minimum Wage: As of 2024, the minimum wage in Arkansas is $11.00 per hour.
- Tipped Employees: Tipped employees must be paid at least $2.63 per hour, with tips making up the difference to reach the full minimum wage of $11.00 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with Arkansas’s minimum wage laws can result in penalties, including back pay, fines, and legal action.
Minimum Wage Laws in California
- State Minimum Wage: California’s minimum wage is $15.50 per hour as of 2024.
- Tipped Employees: California does not allow tip credits, meaning tipped employees must be paid the full state minimum wage of $15.50 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who fail to comply with California’s minimum wage laws may face significant penalties, including back pay, fines, and potential lawsuits.
Minimum Wage Laws in Colorado
- State Minimum Wage: As of 2024, Colorado’s minimum wage is $14.00 per hour.
- Tipped Employees: Employers may pay tipped employees $11.00 per hour, provided that tips bring their total earnings up to at least $14.00 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with Colorado’s minimum wage laws can result in penalties, including back pay, fines, and legal action.
Minimum Wage Laws in Connecticut
- State Minimum Wage: Connecticut’s minimum wage is $15.00 per hour as of 2024.
- Tipped Employees: Tipped employees in Connecticut must be paid at least $8.23 per hour, with tips making up the difference to reach the full minimum wage of $15.00 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who violate Connecticut’s minimum wage laws may face penalties, including payment of back wages, fines, and potential lawsuits.
Minimum Wage Laws in Delaware
- State Minimum Wage: Delaware’s minimum wage is $12.00 per hour as of 2024.
- Tipped Employees: Tipped employees must be paid at least $2.23 per hour, with tips making up the difference to reach the full minimum wage of $12.00 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with Delaware’s minimum wage laws can result in penalties, including back pay, fines, and legal action.
Minimum Wage Laws in Florida
- State Minimum Wage: Florida’s minimum wage is $12.00 per hour as of 2024, with scheduled increases each year until it reaches $15.00 per hour in 2026.
- Tipped Employees: Employers may pay tipped employees $8.98 per hour, provided that tips bring their total earnings up to at least $12.00 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who violate Florida’s minimum wage laws may face penalties, including payment of back wages, fines, and potential lawsuits.
Minimum Wage Laws in Georgia
- State Minimum Wage: Georgia’s state minimum wage is $5.15 per hour. However, since this is lower than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, employers are required to pay the federal rate.
- Tipped Employees: Tipped employees must be paid at least the federal minimum wage, with tips making up the difference if the employer pays less.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who fail to comply with the federal minimum wage in Georgia may face penalties, including back pay, fines, and potential lawsuits.
Minimum Wage Laws in Hawaii
- State Minimum Wage: As of 2024, Hawaii’s minimum wage is $14.00 per hour.
- Tipped Employees: Employers may pay tipped employees $11.00 per hour, provided that tips bring their total earnings up to at least $14.00 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with Hawaii’s minimum wage laws can result in penalties, including back pay, fines, and legal action.
Minimum Wage Laws in Idaho
- State Minimum Wage: Idaho follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
- Tipped Employees: Tipped employees must be paid a minimum of $3.35 per hour, with tips making up the difference to reach the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who fail to pay the minimum wage in Idaho may face penalties, including back pay, fines, and potential lawsuits.
Minimum Wage Laws in Illinois
- State Minimum Wage: As of 2024, Illinois’ minimum wage is $15.00 per hour.
- Tipped Employees: Employers may pay tipped employees $9.00 per hour, provided that tips bring their total earnings up to at least $15.00 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with Illinois’s minimum wage laws can result in significant penalties, including back pay, fines, and potential lawsuits.
Minimum Wage Laws in Indiana
- State Minimum Wage: Indiana follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
- Tipped Employees: Tipped employees must be paid a minimum of $2.13 per hour, with tips making up the difference to reach the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who fail to pay the minimum wage in Indiana may face penalties, including back pay, fines, and potential lawsuits.
Minimum Wage Laws in Iowa
- State Minimum Wage: Iowa’s minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, consistent with the federal minimum wage.
- Tipped Employees: Tipped employees must be paid at least $4.35 per hour, with tips making up the difference to reach the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who violate Iowa’s minimum wage laws may face penalties, including back pay, fines, and legal action.
Minimum Wage Laws in Kansas
- State Minimum Wage: Kansas follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
- Tipped Employees: Tipped employees must be paid a minimum of $2.13 per hour, with tips making up the difference to reach the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who fail to pay the minimum wage in Kansas may face penalties, including back pay, fines, and potential lawsuits.
Minimum Wage Laws in Kentucky
- State Minimum Wage: Kentucky follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
- Tipped Employees: Tipped employees must be paid a minimum of $2.13 per hour, with tips making up the difference to reach the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who violate Kentucky’s minimum wage laws may face penalties, including back pay, fines, and legal action.
Minimum Wage Laws in Louisiana
- State Minimum Wage: Louisiana does not have a state minimum wage, so the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour applies.
- Tipped Employees: Tipped employees must be paid a minimum of $2.13 per hour, with tips making up the difference to reach the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who fail to comply with the federal minimum wage in Louisiana may face penalties, including back pay, fines, and potential lawsuits.
Minimum Wage Laws in Maine
- State Minimum Wage: As of 2024, Maine’s minimum wage is $14.00 per hour.
- Tipped Employees: Employers may pay tipped employees $7.00 per hour, provided that tips bring their total earnings up to at least $14.00 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with Maine’s minimum wage laws can result in penalties, including back pay, fines, and legal action.
Minimum Wage Laws in Maryland
- State Minimum Wage: Maryland’s minimum wage is $15.00 per hour as of 2024.
- Tipped Employees: Tipped employees must be paid at least $3.63 per hour, with tips making up the difference to reach the full minimum wage of $15.00 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with Maryland’s minimum wage laws can result in significant penalties, including back pay, fines, and potential lawsuits.
Minimum Wage Laws in Massachusetts
- State Minimum Wage: Massachusetts’ minimum wage is $15.00 per hour as of 2024.
- Tipped Employees: Employers may pay tipped employees $6.75 per hour, provided that tips bring their total earnings up to at least $15.00 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with Massachusetts’ minimum wage laws can result in significant penalties, including back pay, fines, and potential lawsuits.
Minimum Wage Laws in Michigan
- State Minimum Wage: Michigan’s minimum wage is $10.10 per hour as of 2024, with scheduled increases planned.
- Tipped Employees: Tipped employees must be paid at least $3.84 per hour, with tips making up the difference to reach the full minimum wage of $10.10 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with Michigan’s minimum wage laws can result in penalties, including back pay, fines, and legal action.
Minimum Wage Laws in Minnesota
- State Minimum Wage: Minnesota’s minimum wage varies based on the size of the employer. As of 2024, large employers must pay $11.00 per hour, while small employers must pay $9.50 per hour.
- Tipped Employees: Minnesota does not allow a tip credit; therefore, tipped employees must be paid the full minimum wage of $11.00 or $9.50 per hour, depending on the employer’s size.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with Minnesota’s minimum wage laws can result in penalties, including back pay, fines, and legal action.
Minimum Wage Laws in Mississippi
- State Minimum Wage: Mississippi does not have a state minimum wage, so the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour applies.
- Tipped Employees: Tipped employees must be paid a minimum of $2.13 per hour, with tips making up the difference to reach the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who fail to comply with the federal minimum wage in Mississippi may face penalties, including back pay, fines, and potential lawsuits.
Minimum Wage Laws in Missouri
- State Minimum Wage: As of 2024, Missouri’s minimum wage is $13.00 per hour.
- Tipped Employees: Employers may pay tipped employees $6.50 per hour, provided that tips bring their total earnings up to at least $13.00 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with Missouri’s minimum wage laws can result in penalties, including back pay, fines, and legal action.
Minimum Wage Laws in Montana
- State Minimum Wage: As of 2024, Montana’s minimum wage is $10.50 per hour.
- Tipped Employees: Montana does not allow a tip credit; therefore, tipped employees must be paid the full minimum wage of $10.50 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with Montana’s minimum wage laws can result in penalties, including back pay, fines, and legal action.
Minimum Wage Laws in Nebraska
- State Minimum Wage: As of 2024, Nebraska’s minimum wage is $12.00 per hour.
- Tipped Employees: Tipped employees must be paid at least $2.13 per hour, with tips making up the difference to reach the full minimum wage of $12.00 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with Nebraska’s minimum wage laws can result in penalties, including back pay, fines, and legal action.
Minimum Wage Laws in Nevada
- State Minimum Wage: As of 2024, Nevada’s minimum wage is $11.00 per hour for employees with health benefits and $12.00 per hour for those without health benefits.
- Tipped Employees: Employers may pay tipped employees $8.00 per hour, provided that tips bring their total earnings up to at least the applicable minimum wage.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with Nevada’s minimum wage laws can result in penalties, including back pay, fines, and legal action.
Minimum Wage Laws in New Hampshire
- State Minimum Wage: New Hampshire does not have a state minimum wage, so the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour applies.
- Tipped Employees: Tipped employees must be paid a minimum of $3.26 per hour, with tips making up the difference to reach the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who fail to comply with the federal minimum wage in New Hampshire may face penalties, including back pay, fines, and potential lawsuits.
Minimum Wage Laws in New Jersey
- State Minimum Wage: New Jersey’s minimum wage is $15.00 per hour as of 2024.
- Tipped Employees: Employers may pay tipped employees $5.13 per hour, provided that tips bring their total earnings up to at least $15.00 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with New Jersey’s minimum wage laws can result in significant penalties, including back pay, fines, and potential lawsuits.
Minimum Wage Laws in New Mexico
- State Minimum Wage: As of 2024, New Mexico’s minimum wage is $12.00 per hour.
- Tipped Employees: Employers may pay tipped employees $3.00 per hour, provided that tips bring their total earnings up to at least $12.00 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with New Mexico’s minimum wage laws can result in penalties, including back pay, fines, and legal action.
Minimum Wage Laws in New York
- State Minimum Wage: As of 2024, New York State’s minimum wage is $15.00 per hour for most areas, with higher rates in New York City and some suburban counties.
- Tipped Employees: Tipped employees in hospitality can be paid a lower cash wage, with tips making up the difference to reach the applicable minimum wage.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with New York’s minimum wage laws can result in significant penalties, including back pay, fines, and potential lawsuits.
Minimum Wage Laws in North Carolina
- State Minimum Wage: North Carolina follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
- Tipped Employees: Tipped employees must be paid a minimum of $2.13 per hour, with tips making up the difference to reach the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who fail to comply with the federal minimum wage in North Carolina may face penalties, including back pay, fines, and potential lawsuits.
Minimum Wage Laws in North Dakota
- State Minimum Wage: North Dakota follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
- Tipped Employees: Tipped employees must be paid a minimum of $4.86 per hour, with tips making up the difference to reach the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who fail to comply with the federal minimum wage in North Dakota may face penalties, including back pay, fines, and potential lawsuits.
Minimum Wage Laws in Ohio
- State Minimum Wage: As of 2024, Ohio’s minimum wage is $10.10 per hour for employers with gross annual receipts of more than $372,000. Smaller employers may pay the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
- Tipped Employees: Employers may pay tipped employees $5.05 per hour, provided that tips bring their total earnings up to at least $10.10 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with Ohio’s minimum wage laws can result in penalties, including back pay, fines, and legal action.
Minimum Wage Laws in Oklahoma
- State Minimum Wage: Oklahoma’s state minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, consistent with the federal minimum wage.
- Tipped Employees: Tipped employees must be paid at least $3.63 per hour, with tips making up the difference to reach the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who violate Oklahoma’s minimum wage laws may face penalties, including back pay, fines, and legal action.
Minimum Wage Laws in Oregon
- State Minimum Wage: As of 2024, Oregon’s minimum wage varies by region: $14.20 per hour in the Portland Metro area, $13.20 per hour in standard counties, and $12.20 per hour in non-urban counties.
- Tipped Employees: Oregon does not allow a tip credit; therefore, tipped employees must be paid the full regional minimum wage.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with Oregon’s minimum wage laws can result in significant penalties, including back pay, fines, and legal action.
Minimum Wage Laws in Pennsylvania
- State Minimum Wage: Pennsylvania follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
- Tipped Employees: Tipped employees must be paid a minimum of $2.83 per hour, with tips making up the difference to reach the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who fail to comply with the federal minimum wage in Pennsylvania may face penalties, including back pay, fines, and potential lawsuits.
Minimum Wage Laws in Rhode Island
- State Minimum Wage: As of 2024, Rhode Island’s minimum wage is $15.00 per hour.
- Tipped Employees: Employers may pay tipped employees $3.89 per hour, provided that tips bring their total earnings up to at least $15.00 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with Rhode Island’s minimum wage laws can result in significant penalties, including back pay, fines, and legal action.
Minimum Wage Laws in South Carolina
- State Minimum Wage: South Carolina does not have a state minimum wage, so the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour applies.
- Tipped Employees: Tipped employees must be paid a minimum of $2.13 per hour, with tips making up the difference to reach the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who fail to comply with the federal minimum wage in South Carolina may face penalties, including back pay, fines, and potential lawsuits.
Minimum Wage Laws in South Dakota
- State Minimum Wage: As of 2024, South Dakota’s minimum wage is $11.25 per hour, with annual increases based on inflation.
- Tipped Employees: Employers may pay tipped employees $4.38 per hour, provided that tips bring their total earnings up to at least $11.25 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with South Dakota’s minimum wage laws can result in penalties, including back pay, fines, and legal action.
Minimum Wage Laws in Tennessee
- State Minimum Wage: Tennessee does not have a state minimum wage, so the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour applies.
- Tipped Employees: Tipped employees must be paid a minimum of $2.13 per hour, with tips making up the difference to reach the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who fail to comply with the federal minimum wage in Tennessee may face penalties, including back pay, fines, and potential lawsuits.
Minimum Wage Laws in Texas
- State Minimum Wage: Texas follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
- Tipped Employees: Tipped employees must be paid a minimum of $2.13 per hour, with tips making up the difference to reach the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who fail to comply with the federal minimum wage in Texas may face penalties, including back pay, fines, and potential lawsuits.
Minimum Wage Laws in Utah
- State Minimum Wage: Utah follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
- Tipped Employees: Tipped employees must be paid a minimum of $2.13 per hour, with tips making up the difference to reach the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who violate Utah’s minimum wage laws may face penalties, including back pay, fines, and legal action.
Minimum Wage Laws in Vermont
- State Minimum Wage: As of 2024, Vermont’s minimum wage is $13.18 per hour, with annual increases based on inflation.
- Tipped Employees: Employers may pay tipped employees $6.59 per hour, provided that tips bring their total earnings up to at least $13.18 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with Vermont’s minimum wage laws can result in penalties, including back pay, fines, and legal action.
Minimum Wage Laws in Virginia
- State Minimum Wage: As of 2024, Virginia’s minimum wage is $13.50 per hour, with planned increases to $15.00 per hour by 2026.
- Tipped Employees: Employers may pay tipped employees $2.13 per hour, provided that tips bring their total earnings up to at least $13.50 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with Virginia’s minimum wage laws can result in penalties, including back pay, fines, and legal action.
Minimum Wage Laws in Washington
- State Minimum Wage: As of 2024, Washington’s minimum wage is $16.00 per hour.
- Tipped Employees: Washington does not allow a tip credit; therefore, tipped employees must be paid the full minimum wage of $16.00 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with Washington’s minimum wage laws can result in significant penalties, including back pay, fines, and legal action.
Minimum Wage Laws in West Virginia
- State Minimum Wage: West Virginia’s minimum wage is $8.75 per hour, which applies to employers with six or more employees.
- Tipped Employees: Tipped employees must be paid at least $2.62 per hour, with tips making up the difference to reach the full minimum wage of $8.75 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with West Virginia’s minimum wage laws can result in penalties, including back pay, fines, and legal action.
Minimum Wage Laws in Wisconsin
- State Minimum Wage: Wisconsin follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
- Tipped Employees: Tipped employees must be paid a minimum of $2.33 per hour, with tips making up the difference to reach the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who fail to comply with the federal minimum wage in Wisconsin may face penalties, including back pay, fines, and potential lawsuits.
Minimum Wage Laws in Wyoming
- State Minimum Wage: Wyoming’s state minimum wage is $5.15 per hour. However, since this is lower than the federal minimum wage, employers must pay the federal rate of $7.25 per hour.
- Tipped Employees: Tipped employees must be paid at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, with tips making up the difference if the employer pays less.
- Risks for Non-Compliance: Employers who fail to comply with the federal minimum wage in Wyoming may face penalties, including back pay, fines, and potential lawsuits.
Conclusion
Minimum wage laws are fundamental in ensuring fair compensation for workers and helping to reduce income inequality. These laws provide a safety net for the most vulnerable workers, ensuring they can earn a livable wage. For businesses, compliance with both federal and state minimum wage regulations is crucial to avoid legal risks, maintain a positive reputation, and ensure the fair treatment of employees. Employers who fail to adhere to these laws face significant penalties, including fines, back pay, and potential lawsuits, underscoring the importance of understanding and following these essential regulations.
