Ohio Minimum Wage 2026

Current minimum wage rate: $10.70/hour. Tipped employee rate, annual salary equivalent, and your rights as a Ohio 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 Ohio Department of Labor or official state sources.

Ohio Minimum Wage at a Glance

CategoryRate (2026)
Standard Minimum Wage$10.70/hour
Tipped Employee Cash Wage$5.35/hour
Federal Minimum Wage$7.25/hour
Annual Equivalent (40 hrs/week)$22,256/year
Tipped Annual Equivalent$11,128/year (cash wages only)

Ohio vs. Federal Minimum Wage

Ohio sets its own minimum wage of $10.70/hour, which is $3.45 above the federal minimum of $7.25/hour.

Adjusts annually for inflation. Employers with gross receipts under $394,000 may pay $7.25.

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 Ohio

Tipped employees in Ohio have a cash minimum wage of $5.35/hour. Tip credit: 50% of minimum wage.

Employers can pay tipped employees $5.35/hour in direct wages if the employee's tips bring their total compensation to at least $10.70/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 $10.70/hr
20 (part-time)52$11,128
3052$16,692
40 (full-time)52$22,256
40 (full-time)50 (2 wks unpaid)$21,400

Ohio Minimum Wage Calculator

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

Open Ohio Minimum Wage Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum wage in Ohio in 2026?

The Ohio minimum wage in 2026 is $10.70/hour. This is $3.45 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour. Working 40 hours per week at this rate earns approximately $22,256 per year before taxes.

What is the minimum wage for tipped workers in Ohio?

Tipped employees in Ohio may be paid a cash minimum wage of $5.35/hour. Tip credit: 50% of minimum wage. If tips do not bring the employee's total hourly compensation to $10.70/hour, the employer must pay the difference.

Is Ohio minimum wage going up?

Adjusts annually for inflation. Employers with gross receipts under $394,000 may pay $7.25. Check the Ohio 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.