While the United States government sets a federal salary, each state can set its own, and its cities can set their own amount. Find out which states have the best minimum hourly wages.
An average of 30 states has salaries higher than the federal level, due to inflation, which in turn increases the cost of living. There are even states where raises are automatically established by law.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM WAGE IN THE STATE?
The federal minimum wage has been US$7.25 an hour for a decade. This rate applies to non-exempt covered workers. And the salary can be lower or higher because there are exceptions for workers with disabilities, full-time students, young people under 20 years old (in their first three months of employment) and student-apprentices.
The minimum wage for tipped employees is US$2.13 per hour. The amount of tips plus US$2.13 must come to at least US$7.25 per hour. If not, your employer must pay to make up the difference.
THE STATE WITH THE HIGHEST MINIMUM WAGE IN THE STATE?
The District of Columbia has a minimum wage of $17 an hour this year.
- District of Columbia: US$17
- Washington: US$15.74
- California: US$15.50
- Massachusetts: US$15
- Connecticut: US$15
- New York: US$14.20 (upstate New York) and US$15 (in and around New York City).
- Oregon: US$14.20
- New Jersey: $14.13
- Arizona: US$13.85
- Maine: US$13.80
NOTE: See the list of minimum wages in all states, here. And at this link the highest minimum wage for tipped workers.
HOW TO APPLY THE STATE MINIMUM WAGE?
Some states and cities set their own minimum wages. If the federal and local minimum wages differ, the higher wage applies.
