Minimum Wage in Oregon
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Oregon sets its own minimum wage, which adjusts annually for inflation and exceeds the federal minimum.
How Oregon treats Minimum Wage
Oregon's minimum wage is indexed to inflation and increases on July 1 each year, currently significantly above the federal $7.25 minimum. The state maintains different minimum wage rates for standard employees, Portland metro area employees, and certain rural counties, with Portland having the highest rate. Employers must comply with whichever minimum wage applies to their location and employee classification.
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 Oregon.