what is the federal minimum wage
Minimum Wage. Overview. The federal minimum wage provisions are contained in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour effective July 24, 2009. Many states also have minimum wage laws. Some state laws provide greater employee protections; employers must comply with both.
1 For work performed from July 24, 2007 to July 23, 2008, the Federal minimum wage is $5.85 per hour. 2  For work performed from July 24, 2008 to July 23, 2009, the Federal minimum wage is $6.55 per hour. 3  For work performed on or after July 24, 2009, the Federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour.