U.S. Federal Minimum Wage: 1955 to 2021
What was the federal minimum wage rate in 1950?
- The federal minimum wage rate was first established in 1938 at $0.25 per hour and remained at that rate until 1950. It was then increased to $0.75 per hour in 1950.
What was the federal minimum wage rate in 1970?
- $1.60 per hour. The federal minimum wage rate was increased to $1.00 per hour in 1956 and finally, in 1970, it was increased to $1.60 per hour.
What was the federal minimum wage rate in 1985?
- $3.35 per hour. The federal minimum wage rate was increased to $2.90 per hour in 1978 and to $3.10 per hour in 1980. It was increased again to $3.35 per hour in 1981 and remained at that rate until 1990.
What was the federal minimum wage rate in 1997?
- $5.15 per hour. The federal minimum wage rate was increased to $4.25 per hour in 1991 and then to $4.75 per hour in 1996. In 1997, it was increased to $5.15 per hour and remained at that rate until 2007.
What was the federal minimum wage rate in 2005?
- $5.15 per hour. The federal minimum wage rate remained at $5.15 per hour from 1997 to 2007.
What was the federal minimum wage rate in 2010?
- $7.25 per hour. The federal minimum wage rate was increased to $6.55 per hour in 2008 and then to $7.25 per hour in 2009.
What was the federal minimum wage rate in 2015?
- $7.25 per hour. The federal minimum wage rate remained at $7.25 per hour from 2009 to 2021.
What was the federal minimum wage rate in 2020?
- $7.25 per hour is correct.
What is the current federal minimum wage rate?
- $7.25 per hour. The federal minimum wage rate remained at $7.25 per hour from 2009 onwards.
When was the last time the federal minimum wage rate was increased?
- The federal minimum wage rate was increased to $7.25 per hour in 2009 and has not been increased since.
