Federal minimum wage 2009. Various minimum wage exceptions apply The federal minimum wage for 2024 is $7. Many states also have their own minimum wage laws, some of which provide greater employee protections. 25 across 1. However This means that any changes to the minimum wage in South Carolina are determined by federal legislation, rather than state legislation. 25, and it has been that way since 2009. Many states have higher baseline wages today. Sep 12, 2016 · Find out the characteristics of hourly-paid workers who earned the Federal minimum wage or less in 2009, such as age, gender, race, education, occupation, industry, and state. But experts and government records say that while Congress established an automatic yearly salary increase based on changing labor costs, it has voted to deny itself a raise since 2009, the year of the Worker rights and protections Information about earned sick and safe time, paychecks, minimum wage, breaks, overtime, workplace safety and more. Jul 1, 2025 · State Minimum Wages Summary Currently, 34 states, territories and districts have minimum wages above the federal minimum wage of $7. 25 on July 24, 2009 — 15 years ago. Monday marks 14 years since the last federal minimum wage increase—the longest stretch without a boost since the late 1930s, when the national wage floor was first established. AUTHORS: Yali Pang, Nakeina E. The first minimum wage law was enacted in 1894 in New Zealand. Jul 24, 2009 · May 28, 2009 Legislation passed by the U. To learn more, visit the TWC's Texas Minimum Wage Law page. 25 per hour applies to all workers in Texas. 25 per hour in three steps. How has the minimum wage evolved over the years in Washington? The minimum wage in Washington state has evolved significantly over the years. Feb 17, 2023 · Amy Glasmeier’s Living Wage Calculator (LWC), leverages county specific cost-of-living data to estimate the wages a worker must earn to cover their basic living costs such as food, mobility, healthcare, and housing. 90 Dec 31, 2024 · Key Takeaways The minimum wage is the lowest amount an employer can legally pay an hourly worker under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The minimum wage provisions of the FLSA have been amended numerous times since then, typically for the purpose of expanding coverage or raising the wage rate. 28 per hour to $8. 60 ($14. The federal minimum wage has been $7. Both the federal and Indiana state minimum wage increased from $6. The FLSA applies to: employees of federal, state or local government agencies, hospitals and schools, and generally to domestic workers; employees of enterprises that have annual gross volume of sales of at least $500,000; employees of Jul 23, 2025 · The federal minimum wage has been increased by Congress 22 times, most recently in 2009 from $6. The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions enforces the state and federal minimum wage. That’s the lowest number since data collection began in 1979. Employment Effects of the 2009 Minimum Wage Increase: New Evidence from State-Based Comparisons of Workers by Skill Level Abstract: In July, 2009, when the US Federal minimum wage was increased from $6. In July 2009, it increased from $6. These minimums range from $7. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care Jun 24, 2025 · What is the Current Minimum Wage Federally? The current federal minimum wage is $7. Although any increase in the federal minimum wage requires congressional action, 18 states and Washington, DC, automatically increase their minimum wage by The minimum wage was raised to $3. With the passage of The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA), the U. 25 an hour since 2009, most Americans are now covered by higher minimums set by state and local laws – from Los Angeles to New York state to Washington, D. dol. 25 an hour beginning April 1, 1991. If the federal minimum wage was inflation adjusted since 2009, its value today would be $8. Jun 17, 2009 · The federal minimum wage increases from $6. Congress has not increased it since 2009. Jan 22, 2024 · The federal minimum wage hasn’t changed since 2009. Possible uses include teachers sharing data lists with students and researchers including links to data lists in Jan 4, 2017 · Even though the federal minimum wage has remained at $7. In the meantime, rising costs of living have diminished the purchasing power of a minimum wage paycheck. Nov 11, 2023 · The federal minimum wage is paid to a shrinking number of US workers – and a growing chorus of economists and employers agree it’s out of step with today’s reality. Employers of all sizes are required by law to post Labor Law notices reflect the minimum wage rates. 1% of all hourly workers — earned at or below the federal minimum wage. Jul 22, 2021 · The minimum wage has lost 21% of its value since Congress last raised the wage Saturday marks 12 years since the last federal minimum wage increase on July 24, 2009, the longest period in U. 25 per hour and has… Jul 24, 2023 · The federal minimum wage in the United States would be $42 an hour today if it rose at the same pace as Wall Street bonuses in recent decades. The minimum wage in 2009 was $7. The default policy option in this interactive tool is based on the Raise the Wage The federal minimum wage is increased to $7. 25 per hour under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Georgia maintained its minimum wage of $5. 25, the same rate it's been since it was last raised in 2009. Some states raised their own minimum wages since it hasn't been increased since July 2009. 25 per hour and has not been increased since 2009. In 1961, the federal minimum wage was established at $1. Employment Standards Division Labor Standards Wage and Hour Laws Minimum Wage History FEDERAL MINIMUM WAGE RATES UNDER THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT MIMIMUM HOURLY WAGE OF WORKERS FIRST COVERED BY: $2. Jun 3, 2025 · In 2023, about 869,000 hourly workers —1. 5 million workers age 16 and older in the United States were paid hourly rates, representing 55. 25 per hour and has been since 2009. What is the minimum wage? The Federal minimum wage provisions for covered, nonexempt employees are contained in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). 25 per hour for all covered, nonexempt workers. The last time it was altered was in 2009, when it went from $6. minimum wage remains at $7. However, the state legislature passed a law that set the minimum wage for workers in Louisiana at $0. The federal minimum wage provisions are contained in the FLSA. This guide explains minimum wage requirements, how different laws interact, and what rights workers have. Data in this report reflect the average number of workers earning the prevailing Federal minimum wage or less for the Jan 1, 2002 · The Economic Policy Institute Minimum Wage Tracker The federal minimum wage has not been raised since 2009. Updated July 1, 2025 For work performed on or after July 24, 2009, the Federal minimum wage is $7. At the time, employers were required to pay a minimum of $0. William Barber of the Poor People's Campaign about why the federal minimum wage hasn't gone up in more than a decade. The first step, effective July 24, 2007, increased the wage to $5. The original bill set a wage floor, instituted a 44-hour work week, and protected children from prematurely entering the workforce. Jul 24, 2024 · The federal minimum wage has basically become an outdated relic: It last went up to $7. (Effective July 24, 2009) The Texas Minimum Wage Act does not prohibit employees from collective bargaining with their employers for a higher wage. Before that, the state’s minimum wage was $6. This rate, set by the U. Source: U. Figure 1 shows that we are currently in the longest stretch of inaction on the federal minimum wage since its inception in 1938 — visible in the long $7. Its purpose is to establish a baseline standard of living and May 16, 2016 · Most Tennessee employers must pay the new minimum wage of $7. 00 per year. On the campaign trail, Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has said that needs to change. 00 per week, or $15,080. This resulted from amendments that were made to the Federal Labor Standards Act, which implemented an rise in minimum wage rates over a specified period of time. Since its establishment, the minimum wage rate has been raised 22 separate times, most recently in 2007-2009 when it was increased Jan 10, 2025 · The minimum wage law prevents employers from paying employees below a certain amount per hour. [3] Today, the Characteristics of Minimum Wage Workers: 2009 In 2009, 72. Since its inception, the FLSA has been amended multiple times, with the latest federal minimum wage increase taking effect in July 2009, at $7. 25 an hour effective Friday (July 24). Organized labor and anti-poverty groups continue to push for $15 an hour as the Jul 26, 2009 · Your thoughts on the new federal minimum wage? The minimum wage went up from $6. Department of Labor). The federal minimum wage ($5. With specified restrictions, employers may count tips and the value of meals and lodging toward minimum wage. Lower line is nominal dollars. Sep 5, 2023 · Minimum wage has been a major conversation among politicians, activists, employers, and employees in recent years. Apr 9, 2025 · The Raise the Wage Act would help strengthen families, businesses, and our economy,” said Senator Reed. The FLSA established essential worker protections, including a federal minimum wage, overtime payment, and child labor ban. Dec 19, 2008 · New minimum wage $6. 25 per hour on July 24, 2009. 55 per hour (in Washington State). Given the federal wage floor is not indexed to inflation, nor any other measure such as productivity growth, it’s been stuck at $7. Nov 10, 2009 · TN 7 (12-98) RS 01404. 6 million American workers age 16 and over were paid at hourly rates, representing 58. 55 per hour. Twenty-one states began 2021 with higher minimum wages, while the federal minimum wage was last increased in 2009. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor standards affecting most full-time and part-time workers in the private sector and in federal, state, and local governments. Jul 24, 2009 · On July 24, 2009, the federal minimum wage will increase from $6. 25 an hour for over 15 years, being introduced in 2009. 2) Wage data for the years 2000 through the present was obtained from the U. 15 an hour, members of Congress voted themselves raises that increased wages by an average of $31,600 each. 25/hr) is truly a fair "living wage". This increase is the third and final increase in a three phase process. , have minimum wage rates higher than Federal minimum wage. Special provisions apply to workers in American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. 25 and has not increased since 2009. At that time, children of all ages worked alongside adults in mills, Jul 31, 2025 · Graph and download economic data for Federal Minimum Hourly Wage for Nonfarm Workers for the United States (FEDMINNFRWG) from Oct 1938 to Jul 2025 about per hour, minimum wage, workers, hours, nonfarm, federal, wages, and USA. Jan 3, 2025 · The current federal minimum wage is $7. Among those paid by the hour, 81,000 workers earned exactly the prevailing federal minimum wage of $7. [7] [85] [186] In 2009, while the federal minimum wage increased to $7. 75 per hour beginning on January 1, 2015, $8. 50 (New Mexico). 55 an hour to $7. The federal minimum wage in the United States has remained at $7. 25 effective 07/24/2009. “As rising costs squeeze families across Rhode Island, it’s well past time to increase the federal minimum wage,” said Senator Whitehouse. The following is a breakdown of its history: – In 1961, Washington’s minimum wage was set at $1. This increase is the last of the three increases to the Federal minimum wage provided by the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007. 25 an hour or less, the federal standard has ripple effects for all hourly workers — helping to keep pay low for millions. Most states plus D. Minimum Wage Overview The federal minimum wage provisions are contained in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). 25 an hour It’s the longest stretch of time Congress has gone without raising the federal minimum wage. Low wages hurt all workers and are particularly harmful to Black workers and other workers of color—especially women—who make up a disproportionate share of workers who are severely underpaid. Jul 31, 2023 · After hearing from a low-wage worker in California, NPR's A Martinez talks to Rev. 25 per hour with the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007. This is the third and final increase provided for in the “Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007,” passed in May 2007, as reported on this website. [1][2] The Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007[3] is a US Act of Congress that amended the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to gradually raise the federal minimum wage from $5. The bill would also gradually raise and then eliminate subminimum wages for tipped Apr 9, 2019 · The US minimum wage, which started at 25 cents in 1938, has been raised by Congress 22 times. Jul 24, 2009 · Last Increase and Current Status The US federal minimum wage was last increased on July 24, 2009, when it rose from $6. The Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 included phased increases to the Federal minimum wage. 15 per hour to $7. On July 24, 2008, the wage increased to $6. Jul 24, 2008 · Minimum wage is the lowest hourly, daily or monthly wage that businesses may legally pay to employees or workers. The latest federal bump will enlarge roughly 4. A full time minimum wage worker in Federal working will earn $290. Jul 23, 2009 · On July 24, 2009, the federal minimum wage will increase by 70 cents to $7. Initiative 688, approved by Washington voters in 1998, required L&I to make a cost-of-living adjustment to the minimum wage each year between 2001 and 2016, based on the federal Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). On July 24, 2009, the federal minimum wage increased from $6. These state minimums range from as high as $14. 6 days ago · Federal Minimum Wage Was Last Increased on July 24th, 2009 One of the promises that President Biden made when running for President was that his Administration would raise the federal minimum wage to $15/hour. 25 per hour, established by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Department of Labor, has remained unchanged at the federal level since then. During that same period, there have been numerous changes in FEDERAL MINIMUM WAGE $7. 25 PER HOUR BEGINNING JULY 24, 2009 The law requires employers to display this poster where employees can readily see it. 15 per hour and applied to Louisiana. This law made sweeping changes to the workplace. 65 $2. 80 per hour Jun 17, 2025 · Legislation to more than double the federal hourly minimum wage from $7. Jul 11, 2019 · While the federal minimum wage is a nationally mandated wage floor, 29 states and Washington, DC, have enacted a higher state minimum wage. In addition, the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 brought about phased increases in the minimum wage in American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). No. S. Five states have not adopted a state minimum wage: Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee. Thirteen (13) states and Washington, D. Characteristics of Minimum Wage Workers: 2009 Tables 1 - 10 Employed wage and salary workers paid hourly rates with earnings at or below the prevailing Federal minimum wage, 2009 annual averages: by selected characteristics by census region and division by State by major occupation group by major industry group by educational attainment by age and sex by marital status, age, and sex by usual Jan 1, 2025 · Graph and download economic data for Federal Minimum Wage Rate under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (STTMINWGFG) from 1968 to 2025 about minimum wage, federal, labor, wages, rate, and USA. 1182) signed Act 082 into law which increases minimum wage rate to $7. Aug 31, 2023 · The minimum wage is a New Deal era policy established initially through the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA). Figure A shows how annual earnings for a full-time minimum wage worker fall short of the poverty line for a household of any size. The current federal minimum wage is just $7. The Raise the Wage Act of 2025, introduced in the U. 25 per hour in 2025, unchanged since 2009. 25 per hour and has not changed since 2009. Additionally, there have been several efforts in recent years to increase the minimum wage in South Carolina through ballot initiatives and proposed legislation. Between the years 2007 and 2009, there was a consistent and notable increase in the national minimum wage. Jul 24, 2007 · Effective July 24, 2009, the federal minimum wage increased to $7. Effective July 24, 2009, the federal minimum wage is $7. How has the minimum wage evolved over the years in Arizona? The minimum wage in Arizona has evolved through several changes over the years. 2% less than a minimum wage worker in February 1968, the historical high point of the minimum wage’s value. 25 Jul 3, 2025 · Minimum wages can change every year. State law prohibits employers from using tips as a credit against the minimum wage owed the employee. Since 1983, there have been three series of increases in the federal minimum wage rate—1990-1991, 1996-1997, and 2007-2009. For ten years, while the federal minimum wage sat at $5. 25 per hour in 2009, but each state can set its own minimum wage rate. 7 percent of all wage and salary workers. 15 per hour until 2016 when it was finally raised to meet the federal standard. Dec 28, 2022 · Minimum wage rates vary based on location and occupation. The current federal minimum wage is $7. But it hasn't. 25. Georgia's minimum wage is $5. 3 percent of all wage and salary workers. Explore the map to see how these rapidly changing laws differ across the country. It’s time that elected lawmakers in Congress pass the Raise the Wage Act, to gradually raise the federal Jul 7, 2022 · It has been 13 years since the federal minimum wage was increased: Since July 2009, the federal minimum wage has remained at $7. The final authorized increase in the federal minimum wage will become effective July 24, 2009, taking the federal minimum wage to $7. On July 24th, 2009, the federal minimum wage was increased to $7. How has the minimum wage evolved over the years in Tennessee? The minimum wage in Tennessee has not changed since 2009, when it was set at $7. org Its purchasing power peaked in 1968, at $1. 25 per Jul 24, 2024 · The federal minimum wage has remained a mere $7. 15 per hour. 25 per hour has changed considerably due to inflation, especially in the past few years. 79 per hour to $7. New Orleans enforces a higher local wage. 25/hour. Why it matters: Though very few people actually earn $7. Apr 28, 2025 · The last time Congress increased the federal minimum wage was in July 2009, meaning that as prices have risen over the last 15 years, the value of the minimum wage has fallen by 30%. Since 2009, the federal minimum wage has been stuck at $7. 85 per hour in 2007. Instead, the federal minimum wage of $7. In all eight of these states, the federal minimum Mar 9, 2021 · Summary The Raise the Wage Act of 2021 would help eliminate poverty-level wages by raising the national minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2025. The minimum wage is the lowest hourly pay rate employers can legally pay most workers. This is the longest period without an increase since the base salary was created. Jul 26, 2024 · When adjusted for inflation, the 2024 federal minimum wage in the United States is over 40 percent lower than the minimum wage in 1970. – Unlike many other states, Texas does not have a provision for adjusting its minimum wage based on cost of living or inflation. Read what you need to know about every state’s minimum hourly wage policy. Additionally, some local governments set minimum wage rates higher than their respective The federal minimum wage has not increased from $7. C. Congress in 2007 mandated increases in the federal minimum wage in three incremental steps. Texas adopts the federal minimum wage rate. The report also compares the 2009 data with historical trends and other sources. Some states also set subminimum rates for minors and/or students or exempt them from coverage, or have a training wage for new hires. The value of the federal minimum wage is the lowest since it has been since 1956 and has declined in value by over 32 percent since it was last increased in 2009. House of Representatives and U. Department of Labor, Office of State Standards Programs Wage and Hour Division web site Minimum Wage and Overtime Pay Standards Applicable to Nonsupervisory NONFARM Private Sector Employment Under State and Federal Laws. 3. Minimum hourly wages of workers in jobs first covered by May 12, 2024 · The federal minimum wage hasn’t budged in 15 years. The federal minimum wage was established under the The Fair Labor Standards Act or FLSA in 1938. What is the federal minimum wage? Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the federal minimum wage for covered nonexempt employees is $7. S. have a minimum wage higher than the federal minimum wage, though several states do not have minimum wage laws (which means workers in those states default to the federal minimum wage). 90 per hour. Advocates push for increases to improve living standards, while opponents cite economic concerns. May 23, 2021 · And the last time the federal minimum wage was raised was in 2009, when it increased to its current rate of $7. [4][5][6] In 2009, Congress increased it to $7. 50 per hour. Jul 24, 2009 · Minimum-wage earners in 31 states and the District of Columbia can soon expect slightly bigger paychecks thanks to the third and final installment of a federal rate hike that raises the wage floor from $6. In the absence of action at the national level, many states and localities have raised their own minimum wages. Nov 3, 2022 · Home > Published Data Lists > Federal and State Minimum Wage Rates 1997-2022 Federal and State Minimum Wage Rates 1997-2022 Download Data Save as My Data List Published data lists are economic time series data sets that users of this site have chosen to make publicly available. In cases where an employee is subject to both the state and federal minimum wage laws, the employee is entitled to the higher of the two minimum wages. The federal minimum wage is $7. The federal minimum wage for covered nonexempt employees is $7. Raising the federal minimum wage to $15 represents a never-before-seen 107% increase. 06/hour in inflation-adjusted (2012) dollars. State of CaliforniaIWC History of California Minimum Wage History of California Minimum Wage Jul 24, 2024 · The most recent hike to the federal minimum wage occurred on July 24, 2009, back when former President Barack Obama was still in his first year in office and the Black Eyed Peas topped the Jul 30, 2020 · Today, the federal minimum wage is $7. 25 on July 24, 2009. 85 per hour. 25 per hour in July 2009 (source: U. Labor activists call on Congress to raise minimum wage, while others point out the negative effects this could have on the economy (read more about the pros and cons of raising the minimum wage). The first minimum wage law was enacted at the state level in Massachusetts in 1912, followed by the federal government in 1938 under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). 1 On July 24, 2009, the Federal minimum wage increased to $7. When Were the Minimum Wage Laws Last Updated Federally? The federal minimum wage was last updated under the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007, which mandated phased increases from $5. 25, employers must pay the higher federal minimum wage. Here is a timeline of its key developments: – 1938: The first federal minimum wage was implemented as part of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), set at $0. Since its inception, the FLSA has been amended multiple times, with added exemptions and expansions… FEDERAL MINIMUM WAGE $7. 4% less in inflation-adjusted terms than what their counterpart was paid in July 2009 when the minimum wage was last increased, and 40. For work performed prior to July 24, 2007, the Federal minimum wage is $5. More than 250 Democrats in Congress voted to raise the wage to $7. In fact, in inflation-adjusted terms, it has declined Jan 1, 2025 · 1 Like the federal wage and hour law, State law often exempts particular occupations or industries from the minimum labor standard generally applied to covered employment. Senate on April 8, 2025, would incrementally raise the federal minimum wage to $17 an hour by 2030. Federal minimum wage rate as of f, 2025 is $7. Jul 6, 2025 · As of July 2025, Louisiana’s minimum wage is $7. Jul 15, 2009 · Therefore, effective July 24, 2009, thirty-seven (37) states - including PA, NJ, DE and NY - will all have the same minimum wage of $7. 15) was used to calculate the hours of participation in TANF from 09/01/1997 through 10/16/2005. New Mexico: New minimum wage $7. 25 per hour from $6. It hasn't budged since. Mar 19, 2021 · A Facebook post shared more than 55,000 times claims that members of the US Congress raised their own salaries nine times over the last 18 years but increased the federal minimum wage only once. Learn more about the history, purpose, and battle for a $15 minimum wage. In general, the FLSA mandates broad minimum wage coverage. 25 since 2009. 55 for all covered, nonexempt Today, there is contnuing debate over whether the Federal Minimum Wage (currently $7. This marks the longest period without an increase since the wage was established in 1938. How has the minimum wage evolved over the years in Louisiana? The minimum wage in Louisiana has gone through several changes over the years, including increases, freezes, and reversals. 55 per hour in 2008 and $5. The first federal minimum wage law, enacted in 1938, set minimum hourly rates at $0. The web page shows the history of federal minimum wage rates under the Fair Labor Standards Act from 1938 to 2009. Learn about the federal minimum wage, exemptions, and states with higher minimum wage rates. 25 to $15 is back, but this time it’s not a liberal Democrat leading the charge but a conservative Republican – Josh Jan 1, 2025 · Graph and download economic data for State Minimum Wage Rate for California (STTMINWGCA) from 1968 to 2025 about minimum wage, wages, CA, rate, and USA. 25 since July 24, 2009. 25 per hour since 2009. This rate has remained unchanged since July 24, 2009. 25, individuals in nearly one-third of all states were unaffected, since the state minimum wage already exceeded $7. 55 to $7. 85 per hour effective July 24, 2007; to $6. – 1974: A new FLSA 4 days ago · Minimum wage laws in the United States operate at both the federal and state levels. This is the third time and the final annual increase under the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007. 305 History of Federal Minimum Wage Rates Under the Fair Labor Standards Act 1938-1996 This section is a chart of the federal minimum wage. 80 an hour beginning April 1, 1990, and to $4. Douglas-Glenn, Cameron Williams February 2025 INTRODUCTION The minimum wage in the U. For example, during the Great Recession in 2008-2009, the state’s minimum wage increased from $6. Top line is inflation-adjusted. Employment Standards Administration, Internet site: <http://www. Comply with labor laws by learning what minimum wage your business may be subject to. 1 It also specifies certain categories of workers who may be covered by other FLSA wage standards, such as workers with disabilities or The federal minimum hourly wage is just $7. – The last time Texas had a state minimum wage was in 1997, when it matched the federal minimum wage of $5. Specific groups like tipped workers and students have exceptions. Mar 4, 2021 · 2. Three states, Georgia, Oklahoma and Wyoming, have a minimum wage below $7. is a federally mandated baseline introduced in 1938 under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to ensure workers' basic standard of living. Jul 14, 2022 · As shown in Figure A, a worker paid the current $7. Many states also have minimum wage laws. Jul 24, 2024 · Fifteen years ago this Wednesday, the federal minimum wage went up from $6. In some states, employees who earn tips along with their base pay may receive a lower minimum wage rate that accounts for those tips. 25 per hour effective July 24, 2009. In 2023, 80. See full list on epi. Because the federal and state minimum wage rates change at various times and in various increments, the share of the labor force for which the federal rate is the binding wage floor has changed over time. 25 per hour for covered workers. Another hike doesn't look likely anytime soon. The amendments also established a training wage provision (at 85% of the minimum wage, but not less than $3. 47 in 2024). gov/esa/whd/flsa/>. 85 per hour and tied it to the Mar 10, 2025 · Federal Minimum Wage Rates Over Time The federal minimum wage is an essential component of labor laws in the United States, setting a base hourly pay floor for nonexempt workers. 25—it has not increased since 2009. 25/hour, which works out to $4. 25, it’s key to understand the exact wage requirements of the state (s) where you operate. 25 per hour. What will Florida's minimum wage be in 2025? History of the US federal minimum wage. Certain occupations and establishments are exempt from the minimum wage, and/or overtime pay provisions. 25 Certain full-time students, student learners, apprentices, and workers with disabilities may be paid less than the minimum wage under special certificates issued by the Department of Labor. Summary In 1938, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) established a federal minimum wage of $0. history without an increase. The current minimum wage is $6. The Federal Minimum Wage The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), enacted in 1938, is the federal legislation that establishes the general minimum wage rate that must be paid to all covered workers. 25 per hour, up from the prior minimum of $6. A minimum wage is the lowest wage that employers may legally pay to workers. Prior to 2007, the federal minimum wage had remained at $5. Since then, it has been raised 22 separate times–most recently, in July 2009, to $7. 1. Oct 18, 2019 · When Congress passed the Fair Labor Standards Act in 1938, it represented a major shift in labor policy. Jul 24, 2024 · 15 years later, the federal minimum wage is still $7. State Minimum Wage Rates Updates Attention: 2025 has Minimum Wage Updates across 20+ States Effective January 1st, 2025. But in those 15 years, the real value of $7. The federal minimum wage remains at $7. Some state laws provide greater employee protections; employers must comply with both. Some states have no minimum wage laws, so federal wage rates are used whenever an employer is subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). 25 by 2009. 25 federal minimum wage earns 27. This will be the final stage of a three-stage increase passed by Congress in 2007. In cases where an employer is subject to both a federal and a state law at the same time, the employer must comply with the higher standard in order to be in Sep 21, 2024 · The federal minimum wage has not changed in 15 years. 5/ On May 23, 2014 Governor Neil Abercrombie (Gov. Millions of Americans live paycheck to paycheck or struggle to make ends meet, working multiple jobs to make up for the fact that the federal minimum wage has not kept up with the rate of inflation. The third and final step, effective July 24, 2009, set the minimum wage rate at $7. 55 per hour effective July 24, 2008; and now to $7. Jul 16, 2009 · This increase is the last of three provided by the enactment of the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007, which amended the FLSA to increase the federal minimum wage in three steps: to $5. Jul 24, 2020 · The cost of living is up 20% since 2009, but the minimum wage hasn't budged, marking the longest period since 1938. Jul 24, 2009 · Any enterprise engaged in interstate commerce or the production of goods through such commerce Private hospitals Private schools Preschools and day care centers Fraternal organizations Sheltered workshops Federal employees State/Public sector employees and employees of the political subdivisions Domestic service workers such as maids, chauffeurs, cooks, or full-time baby-sitters Retail and The federal minimum wage has been $7. Let’s delve deeper into the history and Jan 1, 2017 · These are the changes by year that have been made to the Washington State minimum wage since 1961. Jan 1, 2025 · Table Data - Federal Minimum Wage Rate under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act As a result of legislation passed by Congress and signed by the president in 2007, the federal minimum wage increased to $7. It was signed into law on May 25, 2007 as part of the U. – 1961: The federal minimum wage increased to $1 per hour. 15 to $7. 25 an hour. [7] Employers have to pay workers the highest minimum wage of those prescribed by federal, state, and local laws. Jan 3, 2025 · The bill was intended to improve labor standards and create a minimum standard of living to protect the health and well-being of employees. 15 per hour, however, with some limited exceptions, the federal minimum wage rate applies. Wage laws in the United States operate at federal, state, and sometimes local levels. May 11, 2021 · The federal minimum wage has not risen since 2009, but that hasn't stopped the cost of living continuing to rise over the past 12 years, leading to higher prices for essential goods and services. 77, according to 21% inflation since that last increase. 35 an hour) for employees under the age of twenty, a provision that expired in 1993. Dec 23, 2019 · Minimum wage 2009 standards were set at $7. 25 per hour since July 24, 2009. Jul 24, 2024 · The federal minimum wage has lost the ability to keep workers out of poverty; but this November, voters in multiple states will have the chance to ensure better wages. FSLA provided This report presents highlights and statistical tables describing workers whose earnings were at or below the federal minimum wage in 2023. Tennessee does not have its own state-specific minimum wage law; it follows the federal minimum wage set by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA Oct 3, 2021 · For background, the federal minimum wage was enacted during the Roosevelt administration in 1938 under the Fair Labor Standards Act. In the United States, the federal minimum wage is the lowest wage rate that an employer can pay per hour to workers covered by the minimum wage law (the FLSA). 15 per hour for ten years. 25 from $6. On July 24, 2009 the federal wage rose to equal the State, the first time that has happened since January 1, 1988. While many states still follow the federal requirement of $7. 55 per hour to $7. Jan 30, 2024 · How Increasing the Federal Minimum Wage Could Affect Employment and Family Income This interactive tool—developed and updated by the Congressional Budget Office—allows users to explore the effects of policies that would increase the federal minimum wage, which is $7. The measure affects 29 states while other states already have an equal or superior minimum wage (note that employers are required to pay whichever is the highest: Federal or State). Jul 24, 2009 · Beginning on Friday, July 24, 2009, employees who are covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act must be paid a minimum of $7. minimum wage was initially set at $0. 21 per hour on January 1, 2009 as part of a constitutional amendment passed by voters in 2004 that tied the state minimum wage to inflation. 5 million workers’ […] The federal minimum wage was set to $7. This report finds that the raise is long overdue and would deliver broad benefits to workers and the economy. 50 Jan 31, 2022 · The U. For the first time, the federal government set a minimum wage and established the principle Jul 3, 2024 · This July marks 15 years since the federal minimum wage was last increased. . 25 per hour, effective July 24, 2009. – In 1989, voters in Washington approved the Minimum Wage Initiative, which raised the minimum wage to $3. Scroll over CNN’s interactive chart to see the minimum wage by year, through history. What is minimum wage? There is a federal minimum wage, but many states and localities set a higher wage. Note: Jul 24, 2009 · Most Indiana employers and employees are covered by the minimum wage and overtime provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA); however, those not covered under federal law may still be covered by the Indiana Minimum Wage Law. Initiative 1433, approved by Washington Jan 24, 2023 · What is the minimum wage in Texas? Texas adopts the federal minimum wage rate. Msg. Today, federal minimum wage is $7. Inflation's Impact on Minimum Wage Value Historically, while the nominal minimum wage has seen periodic step-increases, its inflation-adjusted value Apr 8, 2025 · What does the Raise the Wage Act of 2025 do? The federal minimum hourly wage is just $7. In fact, 22 states are experiencing wage increases in 2025. As a result of these amendments, the minimum wage increased in increments over a 55 on July 24, 2008, and to $7. Where an employee is subject to both the state and federal minimum wage laws, the employee is entitled to the higher minimum wage rate. 25 per hour, unchanged since 2009 and tied to federal law. 00 (Washington, DC) to as low as $7. State minimum wage will increase again effective on July 24, 2009, when the federal minimum wage increases to $7. 25 per hour, although a majority of states have higher wages. uizvvhay vqgzk lixmk lsxvw stohbf angpkl xvf ntxtn qju ebzgt