January 24, 2002 |
2002-R-0098 | |
MINIMUM WAGE RATES | ||
By: Jason K. Matthews, Research Fellow | ||
You asked for (1) the minimum wage rates for the northeastern states and (2) the highest minimum wage rates in the country.
SUMMARY
Table 1 shows the minimum wage rates for the northeastern states. Table 2 shows the highest minimum wage rates in the country. Minimum wage laws are applicable for nonsupervisory, nonfarm private employees. In the northeastern states, the minimum wage rate varies from $ 6. 75 to $ 5. 15 an hour, which is the federal minimum wage rate. The highest rate exceeds Connecticut's by five cents an hour. Nationally, the rate varies from $ 6. 90 to $ 5. 15 an hour, with three states California, Massachusetts, and Washington exceeding Connecticut's minimum wage.
State |
Minimum Wage Rate per hour |
Comment |
Massachusetts |
$ 6. 75 |
If federal rate equals or becomes higher than state rate, the state rate automatically increases to ten cents above the federal rate |
Connecticut |
$ 6. 70 |
|
Vermont |
$ 6. 25 |
Applicable to employers of two or more employees |
Delaware |
$ 6. 15 |
|
Rhode Island |
$ 6. 15 |
|
Maine |
$ 5. 75 $ 6. 25 effective in 1/1/03 |
Federal rate automatically replaces the state rate if federal rate is higher than state rate |
New Hampshire |
$ 5. 15 |
|
New Jersey |
$ 5. 15 |
State rate equals the federal rate |
New York |
$ 5. 15 |
Federal rate automatically replaces the state rate if federal rate is higher than state rate |
Pennsylvania |
$ 5. 15 |
State rate equals the federal rate |
Table 1: Minimum Wage Rates for the Northeastern States
Source: http: //www. dol. gov/dol/esa/public/minwage/america. htm
Table 2: States with the Highest Minimum Wage Rates
State |
Minimum Wage Rate per hour |
Washington |
$ 6. 90 |
California |
$ 6. 75 |
Massachusetts |
$ 6. 75 |
Connecticut |
$ 6. 70 |
Oregon |
$ 6. 50 |
Vermont |
$ 6. 25 |
DE, D. C. , and RI |
$ 6. 15 |
Source: http: //www. dol. gov/dol/esa/public/minwage/america. htm
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