<P> The minimum wage in the United States is set by US labor law and a range of state and local laws . Employers generally have to pay workers the highest minimum wage prescribed by federal , state , and local law . Since July 24 , 2009 , the federal government has mandated a nationwide minimum wage of $7.25 per hour . As of January 2018 , there were 29 states with a minimum wage higher than the federal minimum . From 2017 to 2018 , eight states increased their minimum wage levels through automatic adjustments , while increases in eleven other states occurred through referendum or legislative action . Washington has the highest state minimum wage at $11.50 per hour . </P>
<P> The minimum wage in the United States is set by US labor law and a range of state and local laws . Employers generally have to pay workers the highest minimum wage prescribed by federal , state , and local law . Since July 24 , 2009 , the federal government has mandated a nationwide minimum wage of $7.25 per hour . As of January 2018 , there were 29 states with a minimum wage higher than the federal minimum . From 2017 to 2018 , eight states increased their minimum wage levels through automatic adjustments , while increases in eleven other states occurred through referendum or legislative action . Washington has the highest state minimum wage at $11.50 per hour . </P>
what is the minimum wage in the united states today
what is the minimum wage in the united states today
$7.25 per hour
$7.25 per hour