Pennsylvania minimum wage 2025: $7.25/hr
Current Pennsylvania minimum wage for non-tipped workers, tipped workers, overtime rules, exemptions, scheduled increases, and how $7.25/hr compares to the federal rate and to other US states. Verified against Pennsylvania's labor department.
Data last updated: Jan 15, 2025Key Takeaways
- Pennsylvania minimum wage: $7.25/hr (effective 2009-07-24).
- Tipped minimum: $2.83/hr.
- Matches federal: $7.25/hr.
- No scheduled increases.
What is the minimum wage in Pennsylvania?
The $Pennsylvania minimum wage is $7.25 per hour as of 2009-07-24. A full-time employee working 40 hours per week at this rate earns approximately $15,080 per year in gross pay before taxes.
Pennsylvania matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr. The state has not adopted a higher state minimum, so federal and state requirements produce the same minimum wage.
Tipped minimum wage in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania allows employers to pay tipped employees a reduced base wage of $2.83/hr, provided that tips bring the employee's total hourly earnings to at least the full state minimum of $7.25/hr. This is called a "tip credit."
If a tipped employee's tips fall short of the standard minimum wage for any pay period, the employer must make up the difference. Example: a server earns $2.83/hr base plus $3.42/hr in tips during a slow shift. Because total earnings ($6.25/hr) are below the $7.25/hr standard minimum, the employer owes the difference.
How Pennsylvania compares nationally
Across all 51 US jurisdictions, minimum wage ranges from $5.15/hr (Wyoming, the lowest) to $17.50/hr (District of Columbia, the highest). Pennsylvania sits at #44 of 51, meaning it's in the bottom quarter.
Local minimum wages in Pennsylvania
None. State preemption prevents municipalities from setting higher rates. Philadelphia has attempted higher rates but been preempted.
If a city or county has a higher local minimum wage, employers in that jurisdiction must pay the higher local rate. State law is a floor, not a ceiling, for local minimum wage ordinances.
Overtime rules in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania requires overtime at 1.5x after 40 hours per week.
Minimum wage exemptions
Standard FLSA exemptions apply. Pennsylvania has its own salary threshold for exempt employees.
What to do if you're underpaid
Underpayment below the legal minimum is a wage-and-hour law violation. Your options:
- File a state wage claim. The $Pennsylvania labor department accepts wage claims and can pursue unpaid wages, penalties, and liquidated damages on your behalf. See the source links below for direct links.
- File a federal Department of Labor complaint. The US DOL Wage and Hour Division handles FLSA violations. Federal filings have a 2-year statute of limitations (3 years for willful violations).
- Consult an employment lawyer. Significant underpayment or retaliation claims often warrant a private attorney. Many employment lawyers work on contingency. See our Pennsylvania employment lawyer directory.
- Document everything. Save pay stubs, timesheets, and employer communications. The burden of proof for unpaid wages usually rests on the employee.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the minimum wage in Pennsylvania in 2025?
The Pennsylvania minimum wage is $7.25 per hour for non-tipped workers, effective 2009-07-24. Pennsylvania matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr. Pennsylvania ranks #44 of 51 US jurisdictions by minimum wage level.
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What is the tipped minimum wage in Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania tipped minimum wage is $2.83 per hour. Employers can pay tipped employees this lower rate as long as tips bring their total hourly earnings up to at least the full state minimum wage ($7.25/hr). If tips don't make up the difference, the employer must cover the gap. The federal tipped minimum is $2.13/hr, so states with no separate tipped wage effectively require employers to pay the full minimum up front.
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Does Pennsylvania pay higher than the federal minimum wage?
Pennsylvania's minimum wage matches the federal rate of $7.25/hr. Most Pennsylvania employees covered by the FLSA earn this federal-level rate unless local ordinances or industry-specific rules apply.
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How much is a full-time minimum-wage job in Pennsylvania?
At $7.25/hr for a standard 40-hour week, a full-time minimum-wage worker in Pennsylvania earns approximately $15,080/year gross before taxes. Take-home pay varies by local tax rate, employee benefits, and whether the employer offers paid leave. Overtime hours (over 40/week, or in some states over 8/day) are paid at time-and-a-half or more.
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Are there local minimum wages in Pennsylvania that differ from the state rate?
Yes. None. State preemption prevents municipalities from setting higher rates. Philadelphia has attempted higher rates but been preempted. When a local ordinance sets a higher minimum wage, employers in that jurisdiction must pay the higher local rate. Check your specific city or county's ordinance if you work in an urban area.
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Are minimum wage increases scheduled in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania does not currently have scheduled future increases on the books. Changes to the minimum wage require new legislation or a state commission adjustment.
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What happens if my employer pays less than the Pennsylvania minimum wage?
Underpayment is a violation of state and federal wage-and-hour law. Remedies usually include recovery of unpaid wages, interest, liquidated damages (often doubling the amount owed), and attorney's fees. You can file a wage claim with the Pennsylvania labor department, file a federal Department of Labor complaint, or bring a private lawsuit. The filing deadline varies; federal FLSA claims have a 2-year statute of limitations (3 years for willful violations). Consult a Pennsylvania employment lawyer for significant underpayment claims.