Last Updated on January 28, 2026 by MyHRConcierge

Minimum wage laws vary significantly across the United States, making it essential for employers to stay informed and compliant. From federal requirements to state-specific mandates, understanding minimum wage regulations helps businesses budget effectively, maintain compliance and foster fair labor practices. Use this guide- and the accompanying state-by-state chart- as a reference to keep your organization informed and compliant.

Federal Minimum Wage vs. State Minimum Wage

As of 2024, the federal minimum wage remains $7.25 per hour under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). However, many states and localities have enacted higher minimum wages. When a state’s minimum wage is higher than the federal standard, employers must pay the higher rate.

Additionally, some states have scheduled increases or automatic adjustments tied to inflation. Employers should be aware of upcoming changes to ensure compliance.

Key Considerations for Employers

State and Local Variations: Certain cities and counties impose their own minimum wages that exceed both federal and state rates. Employers should verify local laws to avoid compliance issues.

Industry-Specific Regulations: Some industries, such as hospitality and healthcare, have distinct minimum wage requirements, including tip credits for service workers.

Exemptions and Special Cases: Several states have exemptions for small businesses, seasonal workers, and youth employees. Employers must determine if special rules apply to their workforce.

Planned Wage Increases: States tend to schedule annual increases or cost-of-living adjustments. Employers should plan for these potential yearly wage hikes to manage payroll budgets.

Compliance and Record-Keeping: Employers are required to maintain accurate records to demonstrate compliance with wage laws. Failure to meet minimum wage obligations can result in penalties and legal consequences.

State-by-State Minimum Wage Chart

Below is a list of minimum wages, listed state-by-state.

Alabama

None

Alaska

$13 per hour. Adjusted annually on January 1 based on inflation. Scheduled to increase to $14.00 per hour on July 1, 2026.

Arizona

$15.15 per hour. Wage is adjusted annually on January 1 based on inflation.

Arkansas

$11 per hour

California

$16.90 per hour. Adjusted annually on January 1.

*Many localities have established their own minimum wage laws.*

Colorado

$15.16 per hour. Wage is adjusted annually based on inflation.

*Many localities have established their own minimum wage laws.*

Connecticut

$16.94 per hour. Adjusted annually on January 1.

District of Columbia (Washington D.C.)

$17.95 per hour. Adjusted annually based on inflation in July.

Delaware

$15 per hour

Florida

$14.00 per hour. (Scheduled to increase by $1.00 every September 30th until reaching $15.00 on September 30, 2026.)

Georgia

*Applicable to employers of 6 or more employees.*

$5.15 per hour. Employers subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act must pay the current Federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.

The State law excludes from coverage any employment that is subject to the federal Fair Labor Standards Act when the federal rate is greater than the state rate.

Hawaii

$16.00 per hour. (Increasing to $18.00 on 1/1/28.)

Idaho

$7.25 per hour

Illinois

*Applicable to employers of four or more employees, excluding family members.*

$15.00 per hour

Indiana

*Applicable to employers of 2 or more employees.*

$7.25 an hour

Iowa

$7.25 an hour

Kansas

$7.25 an hour

Does not apply to any employers who are subject to the provisions of the FLSA.

Kentucky

$7.25 per hour

Louisiana

None

Maine

$15.10, adjusted annually on January 1.

Maryland

$15.00 per hour

*Many localities have established their own minimum wage laws.*

Massachusetts

$15.00 per hour

Michigan

*Applicable to employers of two or more employees*

$13.73 per hour, scheduled to increase on January 1, 2027 to $15.00 per hour. The State law excludes from coverage any employment that is subject to the federal Fair Labor Standards Act unless the State wage rate is higher than the federal rate. 

Minnesota

$11.41 an hour

Mississippi

None

Missouri

$15 per hour. Adjusted annually on January 1 based on inflation. Retail and service employers that gross less than $500,000 are exempt from state minimum wage law.

Montana

$10.85 per hour. A business not covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act whose gross annual sales are $110,000 or less may pay $4.00 per hour. However, if an individual employee is producing or moving goods between states or otherwise covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, that employee must be paid the greater of either the federal minimum wage or Montana’s minimum wage.

Nebraska

*Applicable to employers of four or more employees*

$15 per hour

Nevada

$12 an hour

New Hampshire

$7.25 an hour

New Jersey

$15.92 per hour for most employers with more than 5 employees.

$15.23 per hour for employers who employ fewer than six people and employees engaged in seasonal employment.

New Mexico

$12.00 per hour

*Many localities have established their own minimum wage laws.*

New York

$17 per hour for New York City, Nassau County, Suffolk County & Westchester County. $16 remainder of New York state.

North Carolina

$7.25 an hour

North Dakota

$7.25 an hour

Ohio

$11 per hour for employers with annual gross receipts of $405,000 or more. $7.25 per hour for employers with annual gross receipts under $405,000.

Oklahoma

$7.25 per hour for employers with 10 or more full time employees at any one location or with an annual gross sales over $100,000. All other employers $2 per hour.

Oregon

$15.05 per hour; $16.30 Portland Metro Area; $14.05 Non-Urban counties

Pennsylvania

$7.25 an hour

Rhode Island

$16 per hour

South Carolina

None

South Dakota

$11.85 per hour

Tennessee

None

Texas

$7.25 an hour

Utah

$7.25 an hour

Vermont

*Applicable to employers of two or more employees*

$14.42 per hour

Virginia

$12.77 per hour

Washington

$17.13 per hour

West Virginia

*Applicable to employers of six or more employees at one location*

$8.75 per hour

Wisconsin

$7.25 per hour

Wyoming

$5.15 an hour

Compliance Success

Staying compliant with minimum wage laws is a critical responsibility for employers. By understanding federal, state and local wage requirements, businesses can avoid costly penalties and ensure fair compensation for their employees.

For more information on how to enhance your organization’s compliance efforts, contact MyHRConcierge at 855-538-6947 ext.108, ccooley@myhrconcierge.com. Or, schedule a convenient consultation below:

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