<P> The minimum wage in the United States is set by US labor law and a network of state , and local laws . Employers generally must pay workers the highest minimum wage prescribed by federal , state , and local law . As of July 2016 , the federal government mandates a nationwide minimum wage of $7.25 per hour . As of October 2016 , there are 29 states with a minimum wage higher than the federal minimum . From 2014 to 2015 , nine states increased their minimum wage levels through automatic adjustments , while increases in 11 other states occurred through referendum or legislative action . In real terms , the federal minimum wage peaked near $10.00 per hour in 1968 , using 2014 inflation - adjusted dollars . </P>
<P> The minimum wage in the United States is set by US labor law and a network of state , and local laws . Employers generally must pay workers the highest minimum wage prescribed by federal , state , and local law . As of July 2016 , the federal government mandates a nationwide minimum wage of $7.25 per hour . As of October 2016 , there are 29 states with a minimum wage higher than the federal minimum . From 2014 to 2015 , nine states increased their minimum wage levels through automatic adjustments , while increases in 11 other states occurred through referendum or legislative action . In real terms , the federal minimum wage peaked near $10.00 per hour in 1968 , using 2014 inflation - adjusted dollars . </P>
what is minimum wage in the united states
what is minimum wage in the united states
a nationwide minimum wage of $7.25 per hour
a nationwide minimum wage of $7.25 per hour