What was the minimum wage in 1938?

The minimum wage in 1938 was $0.25 per hour.

Federal Minimum Wage in 1938

The first federal minimum wage was established on October 24, 1938, as part of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938. This landmark legislation set a standard for wages, working hours, and child labor practices in the United States, aiming to eliminate labor conditions detrimental to the health, efficiency, and general well-being of workers.

Initial Rates and Subsequent Increases

The initial rate of $0.25 per hour applied to workers in jobs first covered by the FLSA. This rate was not static and saw increases in the following years to adjust for economic conditions and the cost of living.

Here's a look at the early progression of the federal minimum wage rates:

These rates reflect the initial efforts to establish a baseline for worker compensation across various industries covered by the federal law. The implementation of the minimum wage marked a significant step in labor policy, aiming to provide a safety net for workers and stimulate economic stability during a period of recovery.