Federal Minimum Wage

The federal minimum wage is the lowest hourly pay that employers in the United States must legally pay their employees. Set by the Fair Labor Standards Act, it aims to ensure a basic standard of living for all workers. As of October 2023, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, but some states and cities have higher minimum wages to account for local living costs. This wage applies to most employees, but there are exceptions, such as for certain tipped workers and those in specific industries. The minimum wage is periodically reviewed for potential increases.