As of January 1st 2025 twenty one states welcomed new minimum wages for (most) workers.  While the federal minimum wage remains at $7.25 per hour, most workers in the United States fall under additional minimum wages supplied by their state, county or city. 

2025 New State Minimum Wages: 

These are the new minimum wage that went into effect on January 1st, 2025:

Some of these states have additional minimum wages within the state, such as New York having a higher minimum wage of $16.50 in New York City, Westchester County and Long Island. 

Many states have lower minimum wage for tipped workers before tips, and have various calculations to ensure tipped workers receive higher minimum wages with tips included. 

Michigan will again raise the minimum wage to $12.48 on February 21st, 2025. 

2025 Major City New Minimum Wages: 

States are not the only location that can create and enforce a minimum wage.  Counties and cities also maintain minimum wages and their own set of employment regulations. 

Below are major cities across the United States with new January 1st, 2025 minimum wages: 

Can I be paid below minimum wage for daily work? 

Day rate, or piece rate payments should exceed federal minimum wages and the higher minimum wages in most states and local jurisdictions, depending on any exceptions those laws have for their minimum wage calculations. 

Workers should also expect federal laws to require overtime to be paid even if on a day rate or piece rate when work exceeds 40 hours per week. Some states such as California have additional overtime rules, requiring overtime daily after 8 hours. 

Can I agree to less than the minimum wage? 

The minimum wage is an obligation of the employer and cannot be waived by any agreement, including collective bargaining agreements. The minimum wage applies to adults and children.  

There are some employees who are exempt from the minimum wage laws. These groups include workers who are directly related to the employer (parent, spouse, child), and some other exemptions.  

Can I report not being paid minimum wage? 

If you believe you are not being paid for all of the time you have worked, are not being paid the proper minimum wage, or are not being paid the overtime due to you, we invite you to schedule a consultation with an employment law attorney in our California, Texas or Puerto Rico offices. Schneider Wallace Cottrell Konecky LLP is a national law firm that represents employees in a wide range of employment law cases, including class action lawsuits involving the failure to pay wages, overtime pay and commissions. Contact us at 1-800-689-0024.