Minimum Wage Guide & Resources

Many states and local governments have their own minimum wage laws. If a state’s minimum wage is higher than the federal rate, employers must pay the higher state rate. Some cities and counties also have specific rates that exceed both state and federal minimum wages.

Tipped employees, like servers, often receive a lower base wage under federal law, as long as their tips make up the difference to reach at least the federal minimum wage. States may have stricter rules, so it’s important to check local regulations.

The federal minimum wage hasn’t automatically increased in recent years, but some states and cities adjust their minimum wages annually based on inflation or cost-of-living indexes. Employers must follow any scheduled increases in their jurisdiction.

Most employees in the U.S. are covered by minimum wage laws, including full-time and part-time workers. Certain exemptions exist for specific types of employees, like some student workers, interns, or workers with disabilities (depending on state and federal laws).