Minimum Wage Lookup — By State
Look up the current minimum wage in any U.S. state and see which rate applies (state vs federal). Includes tipped minimum and annualized full-time equivalent.
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Frequently asked questions
What if my state has no minimum wage law?
If a state has no state minimum wage (or sets it below $7.25), the federal minimum of $7.25/hour applies. Five states (Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee) currently have no state minimum wage law — covered employers there must pay at least the federal rate.
Do tipped workers get a different minimum wage?
Federal law allows a 'tipped minimum' of $2.13/hour as long as tips bring the worker to at least the regular federal minimum. Some states ban the tip credit entirely — California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Minnesota, Montana, and Alaska require the full state minimum before tips. Most other states permit a reduced cash wage with tip make-up.
When does the minimum wage change?
Most state rate changes take effect on January 1. A handful of states adjust mid-year — Florida (September), Connecticut (June), Oregon (July). Many states now index annually to inflation (CPI), so increases are automatic.
Does minimum wage apply to all workers?
Most non-exempt employees are covered, but federal and state laws exempt some categories: tipped workers (separate rate), full-time students (sub-minimum certificates), workers under 20 (training wage for first 90 days), agricultural workers, executives/administrators paid on salary, and independent contractors. Check your state labor department for the full exemption list.
How does minimum wage compare to living wage?
MIT's Living Wage Calculator estimates that a single adult with no children needs roughly $18–$25/hour in most U.S. metros to cover housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and other essentials — significantly above the federal $7.25. A family of four needs about $30–$45/hour combined. State minimums in California ($16+), Washington ($16+), and New York ($15+) get closer but still trail living-wage estimates in their high-cost regions.