Minimum Wage in Georgia
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Georgia follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour with no state-specific increase.
How Georgia treats Minimum Wage
Georgia has not established a state minimum wage above the federal floor, so employers must pay at least $7.25 per hour. When federal and state minimum wages differ, employers must pay whichever is higher; in Georgia's case, the federal rate currently applies. Tipped employees may be paid $2.13 per hour if tips bring them to the federal minimum. Georgia's approach is identical to the federal baseline with no additional state protections or adjustments.
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 Georgia.