Minimum wage laws are in place to ensure that workers are paid a fair wage for their work. The federal minimum wage in the United States is currently set at $7.25 per hour, but many states have set their own minimum wage rates higher than this. It is important to note that if a state’s minimum wage rate is higher than the federal rate, the higher rate must be paid to workers in that state. To see current minimum wage rates in each state, click here.
Employers are required to pay their employees at least the minimum wage rate, and failure to do so can result in legal action being taken against them. There are also specific rules in place for tipped employees, who may be paid a lower hourly wage as long as their tips bring their total earnings up to at least the minimum wage rate. Overtime laws require employers to pay a higher rate of pay to employees who work over a certain number of hours in a workweek.
It is important for both employers and employees to understand the minimum wage laws in their state, as well as any federal regulations that may apply. This can help to ensure that workers are being paid fairly and that employers are in compliance with the law.