Minimum Wage in Delaware
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Delaware's minimum wage matches the federal rate but automatically increases if the federal minimum rises.
How Delaware treats Minimum Wage
Delaware currently maintains a minimum wage of $13.25 per hour, which exceeds the federal minimum. The state's minimum wage is indexed to increase annually based on inflation. Tipped employees must receive at least the minimum wage from their employer before tips are counted. Delaware applies the same minimum wage across all industries and employer sizes without special carve-outs.
The general definition of Minimum Wage
The lowest hourly wage an employer is legally required to pay employees.
Minimum wage is the lowest hourly rate that employers must pay workers by law. The federal minimum wage in the United States is currently $7.25 per hour, but many states and cities have set their own higher minimums. Employers cannot pay workers less than the applicable minimum wage, even if the worker agrees to it. The minimum wage applies to most employees, though some categories (like certain trainees or workers with disabilities) may have exceptions. Violations can result in lawsuits, penalties, and back-pay owed to employees.
Read the full Minimum Wage entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Delaware.