The minimum wage in Pennsylvania is $7.25 per hour for most employees.
Pennsylvania's Minimum Wage Overview
Pennsylvania adheres to the federal minimum wage standard for most non-tipped employees. This rate is set to ensure that workers receive a baseline income for their labor.
However, specific rules apply to workers who receive tips as a significant portion of their income.
| Employee Type | Minimum Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Non-Tipped Employees | $7.25 |
| Tipped Employees | $2.83 |
Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees
For employees who regularly receive tips, such as those in the restaurant industry, the minimum cash wage an employer must pay is $2.83 per hour. This lower cash wage is permissible only if the employee's tips, combined with the cash wage, total at least the standard $7.25 per hour minimum wage. If the combination of tips and the cash wage does not reach $7.25 per hour, the employer is responsible for making up the difference.
Enforcement and Violations
The Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act establishes these rates, along with overtime rates and specific employer compliance duties. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) investigates all complaints of suspected violations of this Act.
Common examples of minimum wage violations include:
- Employees being paid less than $7.25 per hour.
- Tipped workers earning less than $2.83 per hour from their employer (before tips are added).
Employers are required to adhere strictly to these regulations to ensure fair compensation for all workers. For more detailed information on compliance and regulations, you can refer to the official Pennsylvania's Minimum Wage Act.
