Published
July 14, 2024
Updated
June 24, 2026
The federal floor has sat at $7.25 since 2009 — but where you work can mean more than double that, because states and cities set their own rates.
What Is the Current Minimum Wage in the United States?
The current federal minimum wage in the United States is $7.25 per hour. This rate was last increased in 2009 and has remained unchanged since then. The catch is that many states and cities have set their own minimum wage rates that are higher than the federal minimum.
Federal Minimum Wage
$7.25 / hour
Unchanged since 2009 · the nationwide baseline
How It's Set
Federal · State · Local
Employers must pay the highest applicable rate
Highest in the Table Below
$17.00 (Washington, D.C.)
State/territory rates as of 2024
What Are the Minimum Wages State by State?
In the United States, minimum wage determination is a multi-tiered process involving federal, state, and local governments. The Fair Labor Standards Act (the "FLSA") establishes the federal minimum wage, currently set at $7.25 per hour since 2009, which serves as the nationwide baseline.Individual states have the authority to set higher minimum wages, and many have done so. Additionally, some cities and counties have implemented their own minimum wage rates that exceed both federal and state levels. Employers must adhere to the highest applicable minimum wage, whether it's federal, state, or local.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division enforces these regulations, while some states automatically adjust their minimum wages annually based on inflation. As of 2024, 25 states and Washington, D.C. were set to increase their minimum wages, reflecting the dynamic nature of wage policies across the country.
Note: The rates in the table below reflect 2024 figures. Several states index their minimum wage to inflation and adjust annually, so confirm your current rate with your state labor department or the U.S. Department of Labor before relying on it.
| State/Territory | Minimum Wage |
|---|---|
| Alabama | No State Minimum (Federal $7.25) |
| Alaska | $10.85 |
| Arizona | $13.85 |
| Arkansas | $11.00 |
| California | $15.50 |
| Colorado | $13.65 |
| Connecticut | $15.00 |
| Delaware | $11.75 |
| Florida | $12.00 |
| Georgia | $5.15 (Federal $7.25) |
| Hawaii | $12.00 |
| Idaho | $7.25 |
| Illinois | $13.00 |
| Indiana | $7.25 |
| Iowa | $7.25 |
| Kansas | $7.25 |
| Kentucky | $7.25 |
| Louisiana | No State Minimum (Federal $7.25) |
| Maine | $13.80 |
| Maryland | $13.25 |
| Massachusetts | $15.00 |
| Michigan | $10.10 |
| Minnesota | $10.59 |
| Mississippi | No State Minimum (Federal $7.25) |
| Missouri | $12.00 |
| Montana | $9.95 |
| Nebraska | $10.50 |
| Nevada | $11.25 |
| New Hampshire | $7.25 |
| New Jersey | $14.13 |
| New Mexico | $12.00 |
| New York | $15.00 |
| North Carolina | $7.25 |
| North Dakota | $7.25 |
| Ohio | $10.10 |
| Oklahoma | $7.25 |
| Oregon | $14.20 |
| Pennsylvania | $7.25 |
| Rhode Island | $13.00 |
| South Carolina | No State Minimum (Federal $7.25) |
| South Dakota | $10.80 |
| Tennessee | No State Minimum (Federal $7.25) |
| Texas | $7.25 |
| Utah | $7.25 |
| Vermont | $13.18 |
| Virginia | $12.00 |
| Washington | $15.74 |
| West Virginia | $8.75 |
| Wisconsin | $7.25 |
| Wyoming | $5.15 (Federal $7.25) |
| District of Columbia | $17.00 |
| Puerto Rico | $8.50 |
| Guam | $9.25 |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | $10.50 |
| American Samoa | $5.56 – $8.84 |
| Northern Mariana Islands | $7.25 |
How Often Do States Update Their Minimum Wages?
States generally update minimum wage rates annually, often on January 1, but practices vary widely. Some use mid-year adjustments, scheduled increases, or inflation-based indexing, while others make irregular updates or maintain the federal minimum of $7.25. Local variations within states further complicate the picture. This diversity in approach reflects different standards and qualities of life across regions in America.Frequently Asked Questions
What is the federal minimum wage?
The federal minimum wage under the Fair Labor Standards Act is $7.25 per hour and has not changed since 2009. It is the nationwide baseline, but many states and cities set higher rates.
Which minimum wage applies if my state rate differs from the federal rate?
Employers must pay the highest applicable minimum wage. When a state or local rate is higher than the federal $7.25, the higher rate applies.
How often do states update their minimum wage?
Many states adjust on January 1, often tied to inflation, while others use mid-year or scheduled increases and some keep the federal minimum of $7.25.
Free settlement alerts
Get notified when new class actions open to claims
Join thousands of readers who get the latest class action settlements you may qualify for — delivered straight to your inbox.
For more class actions keep scrolling below.
