A history of the federal minimum wage.
North Carolina's state minimum wage rate is $7.
A history of the federal minimum wage. How has the minimum wage evolved over the years in Missouri? The minimum wage in Missouri has evolved over the years through changes made by state legislation and citizen-led initiatives. 1948: The Kansas Legislature enacted a state minimum wage law, setting the minimum wage at $0. [2][3] US federal minimum wage if it had kept pace with the average worker's productivity. : Greenwood Press Collection internetarchivebooks; printdisabled Contributor Internet The Rise of American Minimum Wages, 1912–1968 by Price V. (2006). The FLSA does not provide wage payment collection procedures for an employee’s usual or promised Apr 12, 2016 · As its value degrades, a movement to raise the minimum wage has taken root, with 29 states and the District of Columbia setting their own minimum wages higher than the federal standard. 40 per hour, which was higher than the federal 1. Feb 23, 2021 · The minimum wage has been in the news recently, primarily due to the proposed phase-in of a $15 minimum wage as part of President Biden’s American Rescue Plan. The first federal minimum wage was set at $0. 25 per hour, which leads to a full-time minimum wage of $15,080 per year. The study concluded: “Researchers determine that regardless of the scenarios, a federal minimum wage increase would reduce poverty among all race and ethnic groups. † The Virginia minimum wage was last changed in 2008, when it The Clarksburg City Council held its regular meeting Thursday evening, focusing on a proposed resolution to boost the city’s emergency response capabilities. A table of federal minimum wage rates under the Fair Labor Standards Act from 1938 to 2009, with effective dates and coverage details. How has the minimum wage evolved over the years in Georgia? Since its inception in 1938, the minimum wage in Georgia has undergone significant changes. Apr 9, 2019 · The US minimum wage, which started at 25 cents in 1938, has been raised by Congress 22 times. 5 Manitoba: Non-urban areas (Existing rate as of Jan. 305 History of Federal Minimum Wage Rates Under the Fair Labor Standards Act 1938-1996 This section is a chart of the federal minimum wage. The minimum wage applies to most employees in New Mexico, with limited exceptions including tipped employees, some student workers, and other exempt occupations. 30. Jan 3, 2025 · A historical overview of minimum wage laws, their evolution, and their impact on economies and societies. 12 The minimum wage laws in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah exclude from coverage any employment that is subject to the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. In cases where an employee is subject to both the state and federal minimum wage laws, the employee is entitled to the higher of the two minimum wages. 00 per hour. 1888 — Congress establishes the Bureau of Labor under the U. 06/hour in inflation-adjusted (2012) dollars. Here is a timeline of its key developments: – 1938: The first federal minimum wage was implemented as part of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), set at $0. Instead, the federal minimum wage of $7. Seltzer. Department of Labor, 2014). In general, the FLSA mandates broad general minimum wage Footnotes Federal: First legislated rate for federal jurisdiction. In recent years, many prominent political figures have spoken about the need to raise the federal minimum wage, which currently sits at $7. 25 applies. 70 from $6. § 203 [1] (FLSA) is a United States labor law that creates the right to a minimum wage, and "time-and-a-half" overtime pay when people work over forty hours a week. 15 is the lowest hourly wage that an employee working in Wyoming can legally be paid (U. Many states exclude very small businesses, such as those with fewer than five employees or those with gross annual revenue below a specified threshold. 25, it’s key to understand the exact wage requirements of the state (s) where you operate. When In the years since the FLSA was introduced, the federal minimum wage was revised by Congress every few years to account for inflation and the ever rising cost of living (although, in the years after the FLSA was introduced, Congress has actually reduced the Minimum Wage several times). According to a common labor law provision referred to as a "tip credit", the employee must earn at least the state's minimum wage when tips and wages are combined or the employer is required to increase the wage to fulfill that threshold. The federal minimum wage has been increased by Congress 22 times, most 1. The FLSA does not provide wage payment collection procedures for an employee’s usual or promised Feb 17, 2025 · History: Minimum wage laws have a rich history dating back to the early 20th century when the first federal minimum wage was established in the United States under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. Virginia followed this federal standard. Minimum hourly wages of workers in jobs first covered by Dec 13, 2016 · The minimum wage was conceived as a way to help bolster wageworkers and decrease class stratification. -1956: Virginia raised its own state minimum wage to $0. The CPS is also the source of our official figures on employment and unemployment in the United States. The FLSA does not provide wage payment collection procedures for an employee’s usual or promised Nov 10, 2009 · TN 7 (12-98) RS 01404. FRED: Download, graph, and track economic data. In 1938, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) established a national minimum wage, sparking concerns about potential job losses and higher production costs, particularly for southern manufacturers. – 1974: A new FLSA Minimum-Wage. Many states have mandated minimum wages that are different from the federal minimum Indiana's state minimum wage rate is $7. The tipped wage is base wage paid to an employee in the United States who receives a substantial portion of their compensation from tips. However, much of the historical attention to its creation has focused on the male actors in a Supreme Court decision in 1937 and the subsequent To understand minimum wages in Minnesota, this report compares municipal minimum wages with the federal and state minimum-wage rates, how these rates have changed and how they will change, relative to prices and other wages over time. Certain occupations and employees are exempt from Wyoming and federal minimum wage regulations, including tipped workers, students in high school and college, and certain disabled workers (with a certificate from the Wyoming Department of Labor). Through 1997, the only significant increase over the federal minimum was in 1988 and by 1991 the federal wage matched that level and California returned to its process of matching the federal wage for the next several years. Here is a brief overview of its history: – 1938-1961: The federal minimum wage was established at $0. ) 3 Alberta: Applicable in all regions of the province. federal government has established that workers are entitled to a base hourly wage. The minimum wage applies to most employees in North Carolina, with limited exceptions including tipped employees, some student workers, and other exempt occupations. Employers must pay Jul 22, 2021 · The minimum wage has lost 21% of its value since Congress last raised the wage Saturday marks 12 years since the last federal minimum wage increase on July 24, 2009, the longest period in U. pdf. † The Indiana minimum wage was last changed in 2008, when it was raised $0. 2. The effective nationwide minimum wage (the wage that the average minimum-wage worker earns) was $11. The federal minimum wage was raised to $7. 25 per hour under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). So long as workers’ income from tips met or exceeded the established federal minimum wage, employers di In 1966, Congress for the first time required employers to pay tipped employees a base wage, set originally at Economic research further shows that raising the minimum wage does not reduce poverty. More than 90% of all countries have some kind of minimum wage legislation. 95. [1][2][3] This A full time minimum wage worker in Federal working will earn $290. Debate rages on, with backers saying the wage hike would lift hundreds of thousands of people out of poverty and opponents countering that small businesses would suffer – it's a Apr 21, 2025 · South Carolina State Minimum Wage for 2025 As of 2024, South Carolina follows the federal minimum wage rate of $7. Nov 17, 2024 · Historical Perspective The debate over raising the minimum wage has a long history in the United States. 1991-2004: In 1991, Congress passed a new federal minimum wage law Mar 25, 2024 · This graphic illustrates the history of the U. – The last time Texas had a state minimum wage was in 1997, when it matched the federal minimum wage of $5. 25 per hour. 7. minimum wage remains at $7. How has the minimum wage evolved over the years in South Carolina? The minimum wage in South Carolina has evolved as follows: 1. ) 6 The minimum wage was initially introduced to protect women and children mainly, who were primarily home workers. The real minimum wage is in 1982-1984 prices, using the Consumer Price from Federal Reserve Bank of St. Jun 11, 2021 · FDR's "Living Wage" and the Fight for 15: Analyzing the Original Intent of Minimum Wage History repeats itself; or at least President Joseph R. 6. It was first introduced in the United States with the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA Jan 19, 2025 · One of the most pivotal moments came in 1938 when the U. It established a minimum wage of $0. The first minimum wage law was enacted at the state level in Massachusetts in 1912, followed by the federal government in 1938 under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). government implemented the first federal minimum wage through the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). 25 an hour beginning April 1, 1991. 2-284). Many consider this issue to be Apr 6, 2025 · Recent History on Federal Contractor Minimum Wage The status of the federal contractor minimum wage has been in flux for some time. They’ve shifted with the economy, covering more workers and getting bumped up to keep pace with inflation. Real values of the minimum wage are expressed in terms of July 2013 dollars, the latest month for which the index is available at the time of the fact sheet’s Fair Labor Standards Timeline Evolution of Federal Minimum Wage Law The following traces the history of Federal actions to regulate wages and hours in the United States. [1] Apr 15, 2021 · Last month, a bid by Democrats to increase the federal minimum wage from $7. – Unlike many other states, Texas does not have a provision for adjusting its minimum wage based on cost of living or inflation. Fishback and Andrew J. It was first introduced in the United States with the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA Mar 10, 2025 · Federal Minimum Wage Rates Over Time The federal minimum wage is an essential component of labor laws in the United States, setting a base hourly pay floor for nonexempt workers. 15 to $7. 1 A full discussion of the coverage of the minimum wage is beyond the scope of this report, which provides only a broad overview of the topic. The amendments also established a training wage provision (at 85% of the minimum wage, but not less than $3. 00 per week, or $15,080. History of Federal Minimum Wage Rates Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, 1938 - 2009 The table of federal minimum wage rates under the Fair Labor Standards Act, 1938 - 2009 is also available in a PDF Version . When the state and federal rates differ, the higher value applies. Most countries had introduced minimum wage legislation by the end of the 20th century. al (2006, series Ba4422, p. 80 an hour beginning April 1, 1990, and to $4. How has the minimum wage evolved over the years in Kentucky? The minimum wage in Kentucky has been steadily increasing over the years since its inception in 1938. 55 to $7. 25 an hour -- is established for days of employment with an employer. S. 1903 — Congress Jul 26, 2024 · When adjusted for inflation, the 2024 federal minimum wage in the United States is over 40 percent lower than the minimum wage in 1970. † The New Mexico minimum wage was last changed in 2008, when Jul 26, 2009 · The federal minimum wage levels throughout history. The web page also provides links to additional information and resources on the Wage-Hour website. 3 Apr 8, 2025 · The time to act is now,” said Sanders. The Federal Minimum Wage The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), enacted in 1938, is the federal legislation that establishes the general minimum wage rate that must be paid to all covered workers. By the mid-1990s, the federal rate had fallen significantly behind provincial and territorial minimum wage rates, which averaged about $5. Federal minimum wage rate as of f, 2025 is $7. Search our database for the current state minimum wage rates and laws in your area, or visit our Minimum Wage FAQ page to get answers to your labor law, minimum wage, or workplace related questions. Jason Donovan, Author Throughout American history, the amount of a person’s pay for a particular job was The minimum wage of $5. – 1945: Kentucky passed its first Apr 8, 2025 · On March 14, 2025, Trump issued another Executive Order which included a recession of Biden’s EO 14026 — potentially shifting the minimum wage for federal contractors from $17. Minimum wage law is the body of law which prohibits employers from hiring employees or workers for less than a given hourly, daily or monthly minimum wage. Let’s delve deeper into the history and Sep 3, 2020 · In honor of Labor Day, Elina explores the early history of the federal minimum wage as shown through the Serial Set. $57. -1938: The first federal minimum wage was established at $0. [2][3] It also prohibits employment of minors in "oppressive child labor". Which workers receive that minimum—and how much—has remained a political issue. – 1961: Missouri passed its first state Grandfather Clause: Employees who do not meet the tests for on March 31, 1990, and fail to meet the increased annual dollar at least $3. By Willis J. Biden hopes that it will. 25 at the time, as well as time and one half for overtime and the prohibition of most employment for minors. Source: Minimum wage is from Carter, et. The federal minimum wage for covered nonexempt employees is $7. Some state laws provide greater employee protections; employers must comply with both. federal minimum wage using data compiled by Statista, in both nominal and real (inflation-adjusted) terms. Examining the rationale, implementation, and ongoing debates surrounding this critical policy issue. Minimum wage policies vary widely by country, region, sector, and age, reflecting differences in cost of living, economic conditions, and Jan 1, 2002 · Notes In states with no minimum-wage law (Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee) or minimum wages below the federal minimum wage (Georgia and Wyoming), the federal minimum wage of $7. The federal government gradually increased the minimum wage from $5. Most countries have minimum wage laws. Note that 45 states have minimum wage laws of their own. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1997. We provide a chart and table showing historical numbers for the minimum wage, and offer some thoughts on it. The current federal minimum wage is $7. You are entitled to be paid the higher state minimum wage. Many also contain a A minimum wage is the lowest remuneration that employers can legally pay their employees—the price floor below which employees may not sell their labor. 22 hours ago · Louisiana has no state minimum wage, but workers are still covered by federal laws. (Existing rate as of January 1, 1965. 25 per hour for covered workers. Sources and Notes: All data are from Carter, et. How has the minimum wage evolved over the years in Arizona? The minimum wage in Arizona has evolved through several changes over the years. 1 It also specifies certain categories of workers who may be covered by other FLSA wage standards, such as workers with disabilities or May 17, 2023 · A 2022 study from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation examined the impact of raising the federal minimum wage to $15/hour on poverty. Recent Government Reports Jul 11, 2025 · The History of Minimum Wage Laws: A look at the evolution of minimum wage laws, the impact on workers' rights, and the ongoing fight for a living wage. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] For comparisons to other countries see: List of countries by minimum wage. This is the same as the current Federal Minimum Wage rate. Living Wage Movement: The concept of a living wage – a minimum wage that takes into account the cost of living in a particular area – has gained traction in Pennsylvania and activists have been pushing for a statewide living wage instead of just relying on federal or state policies. C. al. 1903 — Congress Jul 23, 2025 · The first federal minimum wage was introduced in 1938 during the Great Depression under President Franklin Delano Roosevelt as part of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), itself part of Roosevelt’s larger New Deal package of measures to battle the Depression. New Mexico's state minimum wage rate is $12. This book traces the historical development and theory behind minimum wage programs and the first 50 years of the operation of the American Fair Labor Standards Act. Learn more about the history, purpose, and battle for a $15 minimum wage. The federal government also sets a minimum wage for employees covered by Part III of the Canada Labour Code. Oct 18, 2019 · Since 1938, the U. The minimum wage applies to most employees in Indiana, with limited exceptions including tipped employees, some student workers, and other exempt occupations. Oct 3, 2021 · At the time, employers were required to pay a minimum of $0. Apr 1, 2025 · This explainer offers a comprehensive analysis of the minimum wage, exploring its history, mechanics, intended goals, and real-world economic impact. Louis (2019, series CUUR0000SA0), downloaded in August 2019. Published in volume 35, issue 1, pages 73-96 of Journal of Economic Perspectives, Winter 2021, Abstract: This paper studies the judicial, political, and intellectual battles over minimum wages from the early Jul 18, 2019 · The bill, introduced by House Democrats in January, aims to gradually raise the federal minimum wage to $15 by 2025, more than doubling it from the current rate of $7. 40 per hour. Opponents of increasing the federal minimum wage argue that it may result in reduced employment or reduced hours, lead to a general price increase, and Minimum-Wage. 25/hour, which works out to $4. Department of the Interior. Here’s what to know. [4] The Fight for $15 is an American political movement advocating for the minimum wage to be raised to USD $15 per hour. 80 in May 2019; this was the highest it had been since at least 1994, the earliest year for which effective-minimum-wage data are available. Find out the current minimum wage rate and the state minimum wage rates. Nov 10, 2009 · TN 7 (12-98) RS 01404. Pp. A full time minimum wage worker in Nevada working will earn $480. This book traces the historical developmental process, examining the theory behind minimum wage programs and the first 50 years of the operation of the American Fair Jan 31, 2022 · The U. 1, 1965. 1892 — The Federal Government adopts an eight-hour workday and other wage-and-hour standards for employees. 25. The minimum wage was a contentious issue for many years and was often a subject of… Feb 7, 2006 · Minimum wage is the lowest wage rate that an employer is legally permitted to pay to an employee. 13 North Carolina. This paper studies the judicial, political, and intellectual battles over minimum wages from the early state laws of the 1910s through the peak in the real federal minimum in 1968. gov/opub/mlr/ 1997/12/bookrevs. The minimum wage was raised to $3. History of the minimum wage The history of minimum wage is about the attempts and measures governments have made to introduce, ascertain, uphold and enforce a minimum wage. Jan 30, 1997 · The wages of workers are a primary determinant of a worker's standard of living. 00 per hour by 1986, at which point it stayed unchanged for the next decade or so. When Learn how the federal minimum wage was introduced in 1938 by President Roosevelt to protect workers from exploitation, and how it has been revised and debated ever since. The state follows the federal minimum wage of $7. The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U. Since 2016, the state has continued to follow the federal rate. While many states still follow the federal requirement of $7. 25 per hour applies to all workers in Texas. The Raise the Wage Act of 2025 would: Gradually raise the federal minimum wage from $7. 1 Alberta: Non-Urban areas. The state has no minimum wage law, so the federal rate applies to most workers. 1961 – Georgia’s minimum wage was State of CaliforniaIWC History of California Minimum Wage History of California Minimum Wage After the longest period in history without an increase, the federal minimum wage today is worth 30% less than 15 years ago–and 41% less than in 1968 Real value of the minimum wage (adjusted for inflation) 1938 - Detail June 25, 1938 - The National Minimum Wage is signed into law within the federal legislation known as the Fair Labor Standards Act. The federal minimum wage was last set at $7. [4] It applies Feb 4, 2021 · The Federal Minimum Wage The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), enacted in 1938, is the federal legislation that establishes the general minimum wage that must be paid to all covered workers. Under Jan 1, 2025 · In those states where the state minimum wage is greater than the federal minimum wage, the state minimum wage prevails. Top line is inflation-adjusted. In the meantime, rising costs of living have diminished the purchasing power of a minimum wage paycheck. The primary purpose of this blog is to shed some light on the history of the minimum wage, including the changes in the minimum wage since its inception and how minimum wage earnings compare to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The Fair Labor Standards Act, American wage regulations, and state enactments have evolved into a complex body of state and federal employment law requiring that employers take careful measures to ensure compliance. In 19 states (plus Washington DC), the state rate is higher than the federal rate. Considering this wage increase would likely impact 56 million workers, it has the potential to A minimum wage is the legally mandated lowest amount employers can pay employees. [44] Economists have studied changes in aggregate state poverty rates when states raise their minimum wage. This article will explore the history of this legislation, its impact on workers and the economy, and how it has evolved over time. 25 per hour in July 2009, where it has remained ever since. Many states also have minimum wage laws. Release Table for 2025, Release Tables: Federal and State Minimum Wage Rates, Annual. In general, the FLSA mandates broad minimum wage coverage. This is greater than the Federal Minimum Wage of $7. Read what you need to know about every state’s minimum hourly wage policy. 25 per hour, although a majority of states have higher wages. Nevada's minimum wage rate as of f, 2025 is $12. Index future increases in the federal minimum wage to median wage growth to ensure the value of minimum wage does not once again erode over time. Feb 4, 2021 · Proponents of increasing the federal minimum wage argue that it may increase earnings for lower income workers, lead to reduced turnover, and increase aggregate demand by providing greater purchasing power for workers receiving a pay increase. Indiana follows the Book Review December 1997 The Quest for a Living Wage: The History of the Federal Minimum Wage Download PDF » This is a list of the official minimum wage rates of the 50 U. 00 per week, or $24,960. 25 per hour in 1. bls. The Minimum wage series is Ba4422 on p. Minimum hourly wages of workers in jobs first covered by The Quest for a Living Wage: The History of the Federal Minimum Wage This article is available at https://www. † The North Carolina minimum wage was last changed in 2008, when it was raised $0. 25 Although each U. Here is a brief overview of how it has evolved over the years: 1. As a result, there are no unique features or approaches in Indiana regarding historical minimum wage adjustments. Our latest blog breaks down the history and current state of the federal contractor minimum wage. 15 per hour. 1. The federal minimum wage is $7. May 28, 2025 · It was about improving living standards and cutting down on poverty. 40 for 1944 Mar 3, 2009 · The Quest for a Living Wage: The History of the Federal Minimum Wage Program. 1938 – The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) was passed, establishing a federal minimum wage of $0. There are 30 states plus the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands with minimum wage rates set higher than the federal minimum wage. See minimum wage in the United States for much more info, including detailed state-by-state and city-by-city breakdown of the facts and numbers, and more info on US territories For each time the minimum wage was changed, Table 1 presents its nominal and real value. Fair Labor Standards Timeline Evolution of Federal Minimum Wage Law The following traces the history of Federal actions to regulate wages and hours in the United States. The minimum wage applies to most employees in Virginia, with limited exceptions including tipped employees, some student workers, and other exempt occupations. 25, to $15 dollars or an appropriate amount based on the living expenses of the area. Beginning December 31, 2016, annual increases in the general minimum wage were determined by employment location, industry, and number of employees (in New York City only). The inflation adjustments to the minimum wage are made using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). In fact, 22 states are experiencing wage increases in 2025. state has the power to set a higher minimum wage than the federal rate, none can set a lower one. . (Existing rate as of January 1, 1965) 2 Alberta: Urban centres over 5,000 population. 25 per hour, which applied to all states including Missouri. Critics warn that businesses will either raise […] Overview The federal minimum wage provisions are contained in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). 75 to $13. Introduction The federal minimum wage, which was established in 1938, is the lowest wage that a business can lawfully pay its employees. Overview The federal minimum wage provisions are contained in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). What Is the Federal Minimum Wage? The federal minimum wage is the lowest wage that employers in the United Jun 3, 2025 · Although the federal minimum wage is $7. 25 per hour by 2009. Sep 5, 2023 · Join us as we explore the history of minimum wage in the United States using HeinOnline's Labor and Employment: The American Worker database. Jul 24, 2024 · In 2022 the Biden administration also increased the minimum wage for 70,000 federal workers and 300,000 federal contractors to $15 per hour — and urged Congress to do the same for all workers. – 1961: The federal minimum wage increased to $1 per hour. Jan 29, 2025 · The minimum wage is a legally mandated price floor on hourly wages below which nonexempt workers can't work. Aug 31, 2023 · In light of this new legislation, we take a look back at the 85-year history of the minimum wage, how it differs in states and localities, and how minimum wage laws continue to have implications for racial, gender, and economic justice today. 1938-1990: The federal minimum wage law was first established in 1938, which set the minimum wage at $0. Minimum wages haven’t stayed the same, of course. Prop 210 (1996) began California’s long-term divergence in 1998, prescribing specific increases in 1997 and 1998. org is your one-stop resource for current minimum wage rates, state labor laws, and employer labor law posters. 25 an hour, the minimum an employer must pay depends on the state in which the employee resides. 25 to $15 an hour failed in the Senate. In Canada, provinces and territories regulate minimum wage (see Provincial Government in Canada; Territorial Government in Canada). How has the minimum wage evolved over the years in Kansas? The minimum wage in Kansas has evolved over the years as follows: 1. Virginia's state minimum wage rate is $12. The first federal minimum wage in the United States showed up in 1938, aiming to give workers a fair shot at decent pay. Speaking before a joint Department of Labor poster notifying employees of rights under the Fair Labor Standards Act The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 29 U. Early laws were limited to women and children and were ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court between 1923 and The minimum wage, the lowest hourly amount that an employee may be paid for their labor, is determined by both state and Federal labor laws in the United States. Because it increases labor costs, businesses may respond by using gig workers, relocating to areas with lower wages, or automating tasks. Jul 31, 2025 · Employers in these states must pay employees covered by the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act at least the federal minimum wage. 25 and rose to $4. § 203) is a United States labor law that creates the right to a minimum wage. [2] Because minimum wages increase the cost of labor, companies often try to avoid minimum wage laws by using gig workers, by moving labor to locations hey were paid the minimum wage. 95 per hour. Also, the inflation-adjusted minimum wage. Nordlund. Nov 15, 2021 · Below, you can see a chart presenting the federal minimum wage from 1938 to 2021 since the adoption of the Fair Labour Standard Act. Scroll over CNN’s interactive chart to see the minimum wage by year, through history. May 10, 2022 · The quest for a living wage : the history of the federal minimum wage program by Nordlund, Willis J Publication date 1997 Topics Minimum wage -- United States -- History, Minimum wage -- Law and legislation -- United States -- History Publisher Westport, Conn. 35 an hour. After taking executive action to mandate a $15 per hour minimum wage for all federal contract workers, President Biden now hopes to coax Congress into passing a national minimum wage of $15 per hour. 4 British Columbia: Existing rate as of January 1, 1965. Minimum wage policy was originally established to protect North Carolina's state minimum wage rate is $7. 25 to $17 by 2030. 00 per year. xviii, 283. states and the federal district of Washington, D. Jul 31, 2025 · Graph and download economic data for Federal Minimum Hourly Wage for Nonfarm Workers for the United States (FEDMINNFRWG) from Oct 1938 to Jul 2025 about per hour, minimum wage, workers, hours, nonfarm, federal, wages, and USA. Under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act, states and localities are permitted to set their own minimum wage rates, which will take precedence over the Federal minimum wage rate if they are higher. In states that do not set a minimum The federal minimum wage was initially set at $1. This report explores the history of low and no minimum wage states and explains the overlap of race with economic data to assess the impact on the Black community. 25 per hour effective July 24, 2009. Jan 1, 2025 · Graph and download economic data for Federal Minimum Wage Rate under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (STTMINWGFG) from 1968 to 2025 about minimum wage, federal, labor, wages, rate, and USA. There has been a long history of governmental action attempting to construct a fair and equitable method of ensuring a living wage to the worker. This law also applied to workers in South Carolina. The wage is set by the federal government and by states. Today, similar arguments persist. Prior to 1948: Kansas did not have a state-mandated minimum wage, so workers were paid at the federal minimum wage rate, which was set at $0. The Employment Standards Division Labor Standards Wage and Hour Laws Minimum Wage History By Margaret Murphy '23 Advised by Professor Joseph Fronczak Introduction The creation of a national minimum wage for both men and women in the United States was a monumental moment in this nation’s history. Sheriff Roger Cunningham has confirmed to 12 News that a woman appears to have drowned in the Tygart Valley River in Marion County Thursday Jul 3, 2025 · Minimum wages can change every year. A subminimum wage -- $4. How has the minimum wage evolved over the years in Virginia? The minimum wage in Virginia has evolved significantly over the years. The report series derives its information on minimum wage earners from the Current Population Survey (CPS), a key survey conducted jointly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Census Bureau. 35 an hour) for employees under the age of twenty, a provision that expired in 1993. The following is a timeline of the evolution of the minimum wage in Kentucky: – 1938: The Fair Labor Standards Act was enacted by Congress and set the federal minimum wage at $0. history without an increase. Dec 13, 2016 · The minimum wage was conceived as a way to help bolster wageworkers and decrease class stratification. 2-284, after adjusting the minimum to 0. 25 per hour, which was last increased in 2009. - Volume 58 Issue 1 Indiana does not have a state minimum wage law, and therefore does not have any historical adjustments or increases to the minimum wage. In 2012, the poverty threshold for a single person was $11,945 and $22,283 for a family of four with two children. tplkkceibtcxizzvewejfdoweddjgxwukardmzespucdwecdifrfu