Minimum Wage Calculator
See your state's minimum wage and estimate your take-home pay.
How is the minimum wage set?
The federal minimum wage in the US is $7.25/hour, unchanged since 2009. However, states and even cities can set a higher minimum wage, and employers must pay whichever rate is higher. States like California and Washington have pushed their minimum wage well above $16/hour, while many others still default to the federal rate.
Does my city matter too?
Yes — many major cities (Seattle, San Francisco, New York City, and others) set their own local minimum wage that's higher than their state's rate. This calculator shows the statewide minimum; check your city's rules for the most accurate local figure.
Minimum wage rates are updated periodically (often annually, sometimes tied to inflation) — treat these figures as an estimate and confirm the current rate with your state's labor department.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the federal minimum wage?
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, in effect since 2009. States and cities may set a higher minimum, and employers must pay whichever rate is higher for that location.
Which state has the highest minimum wage?
Washington State and California are typically among the highest, both around $16-17/hour, though exact rankings shift as states update their rates — many cities within these states also set even higher local minimums.
How much do you make a year at minimum wage?
At a $7.25/hour federal minimum working 40 hours a week, annual gross pay is about $15,080 before taxes. At a $16/hour state minimum, that rises to about $33,280 a year — use the calculator above with your own state and hours for an exact figure.
Do tipped workers get the full minimum wage?
In many states, employers can pay tipped workers a lower "tipped minimum wage" as long as tips bring total earnings up to at least the standard minimum wage. Some states require the full minimum wage regardless of tips — this varies significantly by state.
Does my city's minimum wage override my state's?
Yes, when a city sets a higher minimum wage than the state, employers in that city must pay the higher local rate. This calculator shows statewide figures; check your specific city for the most accurate number.
Is minimum wage enough to live on?
In most areas, a single minimum-wage income falls short of covering typical living costs like rent, especially in high cost-of-living states — this is a major reason many states have raised their minimum well above the federal rate.
How often does minimum wage change?
It depends on the state — some update automatically each year based on inflation, others require new legislation. Federal minimum wage changes rarely and requires an act of Congress.