The current U.S. federal minimum wage for most covered workers is $7.25 per hour, a rate unchanged since 2009.
The rate was established by the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007, which increased the federal floor in three steps. The final increase took effect on July 24, 2009. Congress has not enacted another general federal increase since then.
The federal amount is a floor, not necessarily the wage every worker receives. States, cities, and counties can require higher minimum wages, and employers must generally follow the highest applicable rate. Some categories, including certain tipped workers and student employees, are covered by special rules.
The federal rate is often confused with the national average minimum wage or with state rates. There is no single U.S. wage that overrides higher local requirements. The federal figure also does not automatically rise with inflation; Congress must change it through legislation.