US Minimum Wage Poster 2026

Federal labor laws in the US set the benchmark for labor policies implemented across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and related US territories.

A key component of these laws is the Fair Labor Standards Act, which outlines requirements for minimum wage, overtime, and employee recordkeeping in the US.

Employers in the US are covered by both federal and state laws, however, if these laws conflict, employers must adhere to the regulations that offer more favorable terms to their workers.

The US federal minimum wage has remained at $7.25 per hour since July 24, 2009. As of 2026, lawmakers have not increased this rate.

Because the federal rate has stayed the same, many US states have introduced their own minimum wage laws. These state laws often provide higher wages and stronger protections for employees.

Under US wage laws, a tipped employee is someone who regularly earns at least $30 per month in tips.

For tipped employees, federal law allows employers to apply a tip credit, which lets them pay a lower hourly cash wage.

Employers may pay as little as $2.13 per hour, as long as tips combined with the cash wage equal at least the federal minimum wage. If the total falls short, the employer must cover the difference.

Federal law permits tip credits, but not all US states allow them.

Some states require employers to pay tipped employees the full state minimum wage before tips. California, Washington, and Oregon follow this approach and do not allow employers to use a tip credit.