The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. It was last raised from $6.55 to $7.25 on July 24, 2009. As of 2026, 30 states plus Washington, D.C., have minimum wages higher than the federal rate, and many cities and counties set their own higher rates too. Employers must pay whichever rate is highest for their location. See our minimum wage by state, city and county page for current rates.
