US Minimum Wage Information

Comprehensive overview by state and category

Important Notice: Minimum wage rates change frequently. The information below reflects data as of early 2025 and should be verified with official state labor departments or the U.S. Department of Labor for current rates.

Category

State/Jurisdiction

Minimum Wage

Notes

Federal Standard

United States

$7.25/hour

Unchanged since 2009

Highest Rates

Washington D.C.

$17.50/hour

Highest in the nation

Washington State

$16.66/hour

Second highest

California

$16.50/hour

High cost of living adjustment

New York

$16.50/hour

High cost of living adjustment

No State Minimum

Alabama

$7.25/hour

Follow federal minimum wage

Louisiana

$7.25/hour

Mississippi

$7.25/hour

South Carolina

$7.25/hour

Tennessee

$7.25/hour

Below Federal (Theoretical)

Georgia

$7.25/hour

State rate $5.15, but federal applies

Wyoming

$7.25/hour

State rate $5.15, but federal applies

Scheduled Increases

Michigan

$12.48/hour

Increase effective February 2025

Regional Variations

Oregon - Portland Metro

$15.95/hour

Higher rate for metro area

Oregon - Statewide

$14.70/hour

Standard state rate

Oregon - Nonurban Counties

$13.70/hour

Lower rate for rural areas

Small Business Rate

New Jersey (<6 employees)

$14.53/hour

Reduced rate for small employers

Tipped Workers

Many states have separate minimum wages for tipped employees, often significantly lower than the standard rate.

State vs. Federal Law

When state minimum wage exceeds federal rate, employers must pay the higher state wage.

Industry-Specific Rates

Some states allow different wages for small businesses, seasonal workers, or specific industries.

Automatic Adjustments

Many states have laws requiring annual minimum wage adjustments based on inflation or cost of living.