Federal Minimum Wage Remains at $7.25 Since 2009, Sparking Calls for Increase
The federal minimum wage in the United States has been stagnant at $7.25 per hour since 2009, according to multiple sources. This prolonged period without an increase has led to growing advocacy for a significant hike to address inflation and productivity changes. For tipped workers, the federal cash wage remains even lower, at $2.13 per hour in states that adhere to the federal floor. While there is no new federal minimum wage rate currently in effect, legislative proposals, such as the Raise the Wage Act of 2025, aim to increase it to $17 by 2030 and subsequently link it to median wage growth. This bill also seeks to gradually eliminate the tipped subminimum wage. The ongoing debate highlights a significant gap between the current federal minimum wage and what is considered a living wage in many areas.
