Define: Minimum Wage

The current minimum wage varies by state. You can find the specific minimum wage for your state by visiting the website of your state’s labor department or contacting them directly.

In general, employers are required to pay their employees at least the minimum wage set by federal or state law. However, there are certain exceptions for certain types of workers, such as tipped employees or those with disabilities. It is important to understand the specific laws in your state to determine if any exceptions apply.

In most cases, an employer cannot reduce your wage to the minimum wage if you were previously earning more. However, there may be exceptions if there is a valid reason for the reduction, such as a change in job responsibilities or a decrease in the company’s financial situation. It is advisable to consult with an employment attorney to understand your rights in such situations.

Interns and trainees may be exempt from minimum wage requirements if they meet certain criteria outlined by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). These criteria include the nature of the training, the educational aspect of the program, and the benefit derived by the intern or trainee. It is important to consult with an attorney or review the FLSA guidelines to determine if you qualify for an exemption.

The FLSA allows employers to pay a lower minimum wage to employees who are under the age of 20 for a limited period of time. This lower minimum wage, known as the youth minimum wage, can be paid for the first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment. After this period, the employer must pay the full minimum wage.

Employers are generally prohibited from making deductions from an employee’s minimum wage for expenses that primarily benefit the employer. However, there are exceptions for certain expenses, such as uniforms or tools, if the employee voluntarily agrees to the deduction in writing and it does not reduce their wage below the minimum wage.

Tipped employees, such as waitstaff or bartenders, may be paid a lower minimum wage than non-tipped employees, as long as their tips combined with the lower wage equal at least the full minimum wage. This is known as the tip credit. However, if the employee’s tips do not bring their total earnings up to the minimum wage, the employer is required to make up the difference.

Contract workers or freelancers are generally not covered by minimum wage laws, as they are considered independent contractors rather than employees. However, it is important to carefully review the terms of your contract to ensure that you are being fairly compensated for your work.

Employers may be able to pay employees with disabilities a subminimum wage under certain circumstances, such as if the employee’s productivity is affected by their disability. However, this must be done in compliance with the provisions of the FLSA and any applicable state laws.

Yes, some local governments have the authority to set a higher minimum wage than the federal or state minimum wage. These local minimum wage laws may apply to specific cities or counties within a state. It is important to check the laws in your specific locality to determine if a higher minimum wage applies.