What is the federal minimum wage?

The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, unchanged since 2009. Many states and cities have set higher minimum wages. You are entitled to whichever rate is higher.

Which states have the highest minimum wage?

As of 2025, Washington ($16.66), California ($16.50), New York ($16.50), and Connecticut ($16.35) have among the highest state minimum wages.

Can my employer pay me less than minimum wage?

Generally no. Exceptions include tipped employees ($2.13 federal tipped minimum), certain students, and workers with disabilities under specific certificates. Tips must bring tipped workers up to the regular minimum.

Is minimum wage enough to live on?

At the federal minimum of $7.25 working 40 hours/week, annual gross is $15,080 — below the poverty line for a family of two. State minimums of $15+ yield $31,200, which is still tight in high-cost areas.

Minimum Wage Calculator 2025

Calculate your weekly, monthly, and annual earnings at minimum wage. Select your state to see the correct rate — many states pay well above the federal $7.25 minimum.

Annual Earnings

$15,080.00

at $7.25/hour, 40 hours/week

Breakdown	Amount
State	Federal
Hourly Rate	$7.25
Hours/Week	40
Weekly Pay	$290.00
Monthly Pay	$1,256.67
Annual Pay	$15,080.00

Federal vs State Minimum Wage

The federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour has not changed since 2009. However, 30+ states have set higher minimum wages. Workers are entitled to whichever rate is higher — federal or state. Some cities (Seattle, San Francisco, NYC) have even higher local minimums.

Annual Earnings at Minimum Wage

Federal ($7.25): 40 hrs/week × 52 weeks = $15,080/year ($1,257/month).

California ($16.50): $34,320/year ($2,860/month).

Washington ($16.66): $34,653/year ($2,888/month).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the federal minimum wage?
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, unchanged since 2009. Many states and cities have set higher minimum wages. You are entitled to whichever rate is higher.
Which states have the highest minimum wage?
As of 2025, Washington ($16.66), California ($16.50), New York ($16.50), and Connecticut ($16.35) have among the highest state minimum wages.
Can my employer pay me less than minimum wage?
Generally no. Exceptions include tipped employees ($2.13 federal tipped minimum), certain students, and workers with disabilities under specific certificates. Tips must bring tipped workers up to the regular minimum.
Is minimum wage enough to live on?
At the federal minimum of $7.25 working 40 hours/week, annual gross is $15,080 — below the poverty line for a family of two. State minimums of $15+ yield $31,200, which is still tight in high-cost areas.

Important Disclaimer

The figures provided by this calculator are estimates based on the information you enter and published rates at the time of writing. They do not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice, and we accept no liability for decisions made on the basis of these estimates. Your actual liability may differ depending on your individual circumstances, applicable reliefs, and any changes to rates or legislation. Always consult a qualified professional or check the latest IRS guidance at irs.gov before making financial decisions.

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