The current federal minimum wage is $6.55 per hour. Effective July 24, 2009, the federal minimum wage will increase to $7.25 per hour. With several exceptions, this means that an employee must receive an average of the current minimum wage for each hour worked, no matter how he or she is paid.

In some states, minimum wage rates are higher than the $5.85 per hour. For example, the current Illinois minimum wage is $8.00 per hour beginning on July 1, 2009. The minimum wage will increase by an additional 25 cents, to $8.25 per hour beginning on July 1, 2010.  In Illinois, it is permissible to paid 50 cents less than the current applicable minimum wage during the first 90 days of your employment. Click here to see the different minimum wage laws in all fifty states:http://www.dol.gov/esa/minwage/america.htm

If you believe you are not being paid the proper minimum wage, contact Werman Law Office, P.C., and we will help you collect what you are owed.

Other states may have a minimum wage that is higher than the federal minimum wage, and employers in these states are obligated to pay the higher state minimum wage.

Some employers may be exempt from paying the minimum wage under certain instances.  For example, employers may use the value of lodging or meals as a credit towards the minimum wage, as long as they meet certain criteria.  And as explained in Overtime Pay for Tipped Employees, the employer may apply a tip credit to some employees in the food and restaurant industries.

Questions? Contact an Illinois minimum wage law lawyer at Werman Law Office, P.C.