Each state has its own set of rules for minimum wage and overtime pay. You must consider the various work types and sectors that are needed by federal legislation to determine a minimum wage level. The Federal Wage Law (FLSA) applies to these occupations and sectors, and employers must pay workers at least the Federal Minimum Wage per hour of work. If your state's minimum wage is lower than the federal minimum wage, your employer must pay the higher rate set by the FLSA. The minimum wage in most states is set to equal the federal minimum wage; however, some states, such as Washington, D.C., have set theirs higher.