Pay
Minimum Wage Guide 2026
How federal, state, city, and tipped minimum wage rules interact.
Key points
- Federal minimum wage is only the floor.
- States and cities may set higher rates.
- Rates can change annually or mid-year.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 2026 federal minimum wage?
It is $7.25 per hour. Many states and cities set higher rates, and employees are entitled to the highest applicable rate.
Do tipped workers get a different minimum wage?
The federal tipped minimum is $2.13/hour, but tips must bring total pay to at least the full minimum wage. Several states require the full minimum before tips.
Official sources