Nevada Minimum Wage 2026

Current minimum wage rate: $12.00/hour. Tipped employee rate, annual salary equivalent, and your rights as a Nevada 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 Nevada Department of Labor or official state sources.

Nevada Minimum Wage at a Glance

CategoryRate (2026)
Standard Minimum Wage$12.00/hour
Tipped Employee Cash Wage$12.00/hour
Federal Minimum Wage$7.25/hour
Annual Equivalent (40 hrs/week)$24,960/year
Tipped Annual Equivalent$24,960/year (cash wages only)

Nevada vs. Federal Minimum Wage

Nevada sets its own minimum wage of $12.00/hour, which is $4.75 above the federal minimum of $7.25/hour.

No tip credit. One of the few states with no tip credit allowed.

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 Nevada

Tipped employees in Nevada have a cash minimum wage of $12.00/hour. No tip credit -- all employees earn full minimum wage.

Employers can pay tipped employees $12.00/hour in direct wages if the employee's tips bring their total compensation to at least $12.00/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 $12.00/hr
20 (part-time)52$12,480
3052$18,720
40 (full-time)52$24,960
40 (full-time)50 (2 wks unpaid)$24,000

Nevada Minimum Wage Calculator

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

Open Nevada Minimum Wage Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum wage in Nevada in 2026?

The Nevada minimum wage in 2026 is $12.00/hour. This is $4.75 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour. Working 40 hours per week at this rate earns approximately $24,960 per year before taxes.

What is the minimum wage for tipped workers in Nevada?

Tipped employees in Nevada may be paid a cash minimum wage of $12.00/hour. No tip credit -- all employees earn full minimum wage. If tips do not bring the employee's total hourly compensation to $12.00/hour, the employer must pay the difference.

Is Nevada minimum wage going up?

No tip credit. One of the few states with no tip credit allowed. Check the Nevada 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.