USA Minimum Wage Calculator

Calculate USA minimum wage earnings — federal $7.25/hr vs state rates. 30+ states set higher minimums.

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Weekly Earnings (Federal)
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Free USA Minimum Wage Calculator — Federal vs State Rates

The USA federal minimum wage has been $7.25/hour since 2009 — the longest period without an increase in history. However, 30 states plus DC set minimum wages above the federal level. Washington state leads at $16.66/hr, followed by California ($16.50), Connecticut ($16.35), and Washington DC ($17.50). Workers in states with higher minimums earn the higher rate. A full-time worker at $7.25/hr earns just $15,080/year — below the USA poverty line for a family of two ($20,440). This calculator helps American workers compare federal vs state minimum wage and see the real impact on annual earnings.

🇺🇸 USA Federal Minimum Wage

The FLSA establishes the USA federal minimum wage at $7.25/hour. When state and federal rates differ, the higher rate applies. Tipped employees can be paid as low as $2.13/hour if tips bring total compensation to minimum wage (tip credit). Youth under 20 can be paid $4.25/hour for the first 90 days. Some USA cities set even higher local minimums: Seattle ($19.97), San Francisco ($18.67), and NYC ($16.50). The Fight for $15 movement has successfully raised wages in many states and cities.

✨ Key Features

50-State Comparison

Compare your state minimum wage against the $7.25 USA federal rate and other state rates across America.

Annual Earnings

See weekly, monthly, and annual USA minimum wage earnings at both state and federal rates.

Tipped Employee

Calculate USA tipped employee wages with the $2.13/hr minimum cash wage plus tip credit.

USA Minimum Wage by State (2026)

DC: $17.50/hr

Washington DC has the highest USA minimum wage. Indexed to inflation — automatically increases annually.

WA: $16.66/hr

Washington state leads USA states at $16.66/hr. No tip credit — tipped workers earn full minimum wage.

Federal: $7.25/hr

The USA federal minimum has been $7.25 since July 2009 — 17 years without an increase. 20 states still use this rate.

Tipped: $2.13/hr

The USA federal tipped minimum wage is $2.13/hr. Employers must make up the difference if tips do not bring total to $7.25/hr.

Tips for USA Minimum Wage Workers

Check your state minimum wage — 30+ USA states exceed the $7.25 federal rate. Your employer must pay the higher amount.
If you are a USA tipped employee, your total compensation (cash wage + tips) must equal at least federal minimum wage. If not, your employer must make up the difference.
USA overtime still applies to minimum wage workers — you must be paid 1.5x for hours over 40/week ($10.88/hr OT at $7.25 regular rate).
Some USA cities have higher local minimums than their state — check city ordinances for Seattle, SF, NYC, LA, Chicago, and others.
Consider the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) — USA minimum wage workers may qualify for $600-$7,430 in refundable tax credits.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the USA federal minimum wage in 2026?
$7.25/hour — unchanged since July 24, 2009. This is the longest period without an increase in USA history. Multiple bills to raise it to $15+ have been introduced but not passed at the federal level.
Which USA states have the highest minimum wage?
Top USA state minimum wages (2026): Washington DC ($17.50), Washington ($16.66), California ($16.50), Connecticut ($16.35), New York ($16.00), New Jersey ($15.49), and Massachusetts ($15.25).
Can USA states set a lower minimum wage than federal?
States can set any minimum wage, but the higher of state or federal always applies to FLSA-covered employees. Wyoming and Georgia have lower state minimums, but covered workers still receive $7.25.
Is $7.25/hr a livable wage in the USA?
No — $7.25/hr equals $15,080/year for full-time work. This is below the USA poverty line for a family of two ($20,440). Most USA cost-of-living calculators estimate a livable wage of $17-$25/hr depending on location.