Federal Minimum Wage

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Federal Minimum Wage

What Is Federal Minimum Wage?

According to the Fair Labor Standards Act, the federal minimum wage is the lowest wage an employer will pay an hourly worker (FLSA). The federal minimum wage for non exempt jobs in the United States is $7.25 per hour as of July 24, 2009. However, some states have a higher minimum wage than the central government mandates. If that the federal and state minimum wages vary, the higher pay is paid. For example, the minimum wage in Washington State is $13.50 per hour, which means that hourly jobs (as defined by the FLSA) pay this amount. Employers subject to the FLSA must pay the federal minimum wage in states lacking a minimum wage, such as Alabama.

Who Is Exempt from the Federal Minimum Wage Law?

  • Executives
  • Administrative employees
  • Professional employees
  • Commissioned employees
  • Outside salesperson
  • Surgeons and physicians
  • Computer professionals
  • School teachers working in private organizations
  • Some of the commercial drivers
  • Some of the union employees
  • Disabled employees
  • Full time students
  • Youth under the age of 20
  • Tipped Employees
  • Farmworkers employed at a small farm
  • Parts men and Mechanics – Employed by automobile dealerships
  • Drivers, driver's helpers, loaders, and mechanics – Employed by the motor carrier
  • Employees of certain seasonal and recreational establishments
  • And a bunch more...