Minimum Wage by State
Current 2025 minimum wage rates for all 50 states plus D.C. Click any state to see earnings calculations and details.
Current minimum wage
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$—/hr
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All States — 2025 Minimum Wage
Above Fed Higher than $7.25 federal
Federal Rate Uses $7.25 federal minimum
| State ↕ |
Min Wage ↕ |
Status |
Notes / Next Increase |
Note: Some cities and counties have higher minimum wages than the state rate. Always verify with your local Department of Labor. Data reflects rates as of January 2025.
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Federal Minimum Wage
$7.25/hr
Unchanged since 2009
Highest State Rate
$17.50/hr
Washington D.C.
States at Federal Rate
14 states
No state law / defers to federal
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Understanding Minimum Wage in the United States
The federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour has not changed since July 24, 2009 — making it the longest period without an increase since the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) was enacted in 1938. In the absence of federal action, most states have passed their own higher minimum wages, and dozens of cities and counties have gone even further with local ordinances.
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How Federal Minimum Wage Works
The FLSA establishes a wage floor that applies to most employees in the private sector and in federal, state, and local government. When a state's minimum wage is higher than the federal rate, employers must pay the higher state rate. States may not set a minimum wage below the federal floor.
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City and County Rates
Many major metros have set rates well above their state minimum. Seattle, San Francisco, and New York City all have effective minimums of $17–$20/hr or higher depending on employer size. Always check with your city or county's Department of Labor, as local rates can change on different schedules than state rates.
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Tipped Employee Wages
Under federal law, employers can pay tipped employees as little as $2.13/hr as a "tipped minimum wage" — as long as tips bring total earnings to at least $7.25/hr. If not, the employer must make up the difference. Many states have eliminated this two-tiered system and require tipped employees to receive the full state minimum wage before tips.
States With the Highest Minimum Wages in 2025
These states lead the nation with the highest minimum wages as of January 2025. Several are inflation-indexed, meaning they adjust automatically each year:
| State |
Minimum Wage |
Annual (40 hrs/wk) |
| Washington D.C. | $17.50/hr | $36,400 |
| Washington State | $16.66/hr | $34,653 |
| California | $16.50/hr | $34,320 |
| New York | $16.00/hr | $33,280 |
| Connecticut | $16.35/hr | $34,008 |
What Minimum Wage Pays Annually
Working full-time at 40 hours per week and 52 weeks per year, here is what different minimum wages translate to before taxes:
- Federal minimum ($7.25/hr) → $15,080 per year
- $12.00/hr → $24,960 per year
- $15.00/hr → $31,200 per year
- $17.50/hr (D.C.) → $36,400 per year
After federal and state taxes, a worker earning the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr takes home roughly $13,000–$14,000 annually, depending on their state and filing status. Many workers at or near the minimum wage owe little to no federal income tax after the standard deduction and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an employer pay less than minimum wage? +
In limited circumstances, yes. Federal law allows a "youth minimum wage" of $4.25/hr for workers under 20 during their first 90 days of employment. Some disabled workers may be paid a special subminimum wage under Section 14(c) certificates. Tipped workers can be paid less if tips make up the difference. Outside these exceptions, paying below minimum wage is illegal and employees can file a complaint with the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division.
Does minimum wage apply to salaried employees? +
Most salaried workers are either above minimum wage or classified as "exempt" under the FLSA, meaning minimum wage and overtime rules don't apply to them. However, some salaried workers in low-paying roles may be non-exempt — in those cases, their weekly salary divided by hours worked must still meet the minimum wage floor. Salaried non-exempt employees are also entitled to overtime pay for hours over 40 per week.
When do state minimum wages typically change? +
Most state minimum wage increases take effect on January 1st, though some states use July 1st or other dates. States with inflation-indexed wages (tied to the Consumer Price Index) announce their new rates in the fall before they take effect. The table above reflects rates as of January 2025 — check your state's Department of Labor website for any mid-year changes.
What is the minimum wage for teenagers? +
Federally, workers under 20 may be paid $4.25/hr for the first 90 calendar days of employment — this is the "youth minimum wage." After 90 days or when the employee turns 20, they must be paid at least the full minimum wage. Several states do not allow this lower youth rate, so state law governs in those cases. Some states also have special rates for student learners or apprentices.
How do I report a minimum wage violation? +
Contact the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) at 1-866-487-9243 or online at dol.gov/agencies/whd. Your state's Department of Labor also handles wage complaints at the state level. Complaints can be filed confidentially. There is no cost to file a complaint and the WHD may recover back wages on your behalf. Keep records of hours worked, pay received, and any communications with your employer.
Data Notice: Minimum wage rates are updated when new rates take effect, typically January 1st or July 1st. Many cities and counties have higher local minimums not reflected here. Always verify the current rate with your state or local Department of Labor before making employment or business decisions.