What is the minimum wage?

The minimum wage is the starting hourly wage an employer can pay an employee for work. Currently, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour (part of the Fair Labor Standards Act). Some states and cities have raised their minimum wage higher than that. In most instances, the higher of the prevailing minimum wage requirements is binding for employers.

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Minimum Wage in the U.S.

Select your state to learn more about the standard minimum wage and the tipped wage in your state.

Fed. Min. Wage Fed. Tipped Wage
$7.25 $2.13

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May 30, 2025

Cuomo Should Take a Tip from New York’s History of Wage Hike Harm

Candidates, lawmakers, and activists alike are pushing New York to raise its minimum wage – but the Empire State’s history of wage hikes has slashed employment over the last decade.
May 20, 2025

NEW DATA: CA Restaurant Workers Lost Nearly 2 Months of Work Annually After AB 1228

It’s no secret AB 1228 – California’s $20 fast food minimum wage law – has caused thousands of job losses and pushed restaurants to close or leave the state. Now,…
May 20, 2025

NEW DATA: Initiative 82 Slashed At Least $11.8 Million in Worker Earnings

One Fair Wage and supporters of Initiative 82 claimed tip credit elimination was necessary to create more “fair” and “stable” wages for the District’s tipped restaurant staff. Federal Bureau of…
May 16, 2025

So-called “Practical” Minimum Wage Bill Would Punish Small Businesses

You may have thought Sen. Bernie Sanders’ $17 wage hike bill was bad news – just wait until you hear about the newest proposal by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA)…