Minnesota Minimum Wage 2026

Current minimum wage rate: $11.41/hour. Tipped employee rate, annual salary equivalent, and your rights as a Minnesota worker.

Last updated: April 2026 · Data: IRS, BLS, state sources

Note: This guide is for informational purposes only. Minimum wage rates change. Always verify the current rate with the Minnesota Department of Labor or official state sources.

Minnesota Minimum Wage at a Glance

CategoryRate (2026)
Standard Minimum Wage$11.41/hour
Tipped Employee Cash Wage$11.41/hour
Federal Minimum Wage$7.25/hour
Annual Equivalent (40 hrs/week)$22,568/year
Tipped Annual Equivalent$22,568/year (cash wages only)

Minnesota vs. Federal Minimum Wage

Minnesota sets its own minimum wage of $11.41/hour, which is $3.60 above the federal minimum of $7.25/hour.

Large employer rate ($11.41) shown. Small employers pay slightly less. No tip credit for large employers.

The federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour has not changed since 2009. States with higher minimums provide greater worker protections. When state and federal minimums differ, employers must pay the higher rate.

Tipped Employee Rules in Minnesota

Tipped employees in Minnesota have a cash minimum wage of $11.41/hour. No tip credit for large employers.

Employers can pay tipped employees $11.41/hour in direct wages if the employee's tips bring their total compensation to at least $11.41/hour. If tips are insufficient, the employer must make up the difference.

Tipped employees must be informed of the tip credit before it is applied. Employers who take a tip credit must allow employees to keep all tips, except in valid tip pool arrangements.

Minimum Wage Exemptions

Certain workers may be paid less than the standard minimum wage under federal or state exemptions:

  • Youth minimum wage: The federal government allows employers to pay workers under 20 years old $4.25/hour for the first 90 days of employment. Some states do not follow this rule.
  • Student workers: Full-time students working in certain industries may be paid 85% of the minimum wage under federal law, with a special certificate from the Department of Labor.
  • Workers with disabilities: Under Section 14(c) of the FLSA, employers with special certificates may pay workers with disabilities subminimum wages. Many states have eliminated this practice.
  • Apprentices: Some states allow reduced wages for apprentices during a training period.

Minimum Wage Annual Income Comparison

Hours per WeekWeeks per YearAnnual Income at $11.41/hr
20 (part-time)52$11,284
3052$16,926
40 (full-time)52$22,568
40 (full-time)50 (2 wks unpaid)$21,700

Minnesota Minimum Wage Calculator

Use our free minimum wage calculator to compute annual income, overtime pay, and take-home pay estimates for Minnesota workers.

Open Minnesota Minimum Wage Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum wage in Minnesota in 2026?

The Minnesota minimum wage in 2026 is $11.41/hour. This is $3.60 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour. Working 40 hours per week at this rate earns approximately $22,568 per year before taxes.

What is the minimum wage for tipped workers in Minnesota?

Tipped employees in Minnesota may be paid a cash minimum wage of $11.41/hour. No tip credit for large employers. If tips do not bring the employee's total hourly compensation to $11.41/hour, the employer must pay the difference.

Is Minnesota minimum wage going up?

Large employer rate ($11.41) shown. Small employers pay slightly less. No tip credit for large employers. Check the Minnesota Department of Labor website for the most current rate information, as minimum wages frequently change through legislation or automatic inflation adjustments.

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, legal, or professional advice. Data is sourced from IRS publications, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and official state sources as of April 2026. Always consult a qualified licensed professional before making financial or legal decisions.