Minimum Wage in Pennsylvania
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Pennsylvania follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour and has not established a higher state minimum.
How Pennsylvania treats Minimum Wage
Pennsylvania has adopted the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour as its standard, meaning state law does not require employers to pay more than the federal floor. The state applies the same tipped employee rules as federal law, allowing $2.13 per hour if tips bring total compensation to $7.25 per hour. Pennsylvania employers must still comply with all other state wage and hour requirements outside of the minimum wage itself.
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 Pennsylvania.