Minimum Wage Requirements in Georgia 2024

Overview of Georgia's Minimum Wage Requirements

As of 2024, the minimum wage in the state of Georgia is $5.15 per hour. However, this rate is below the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. The federal minimum wage applies to employees covered under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Therefore, if you're an employee covered under the FLSA, you should be receiving at least $7.25 per hour. Those not covered under the FLSA may be paid the state minimum wage of $5.15.

The minimum wage requirements in Georgia apply to employers of 6 or more employees. The state law excludes from coverage any employment that is subject to the FLSA when the federal rate is greater than the State rate. This means that employers subject to the FLSA must pay the current Federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.

Understanding Local Minimum Wage Variations

The minimum wage requirements in various counties and cities in Georgia are governed by both state and federal laws. As per Georgia's state law, the minimum wage is $5.15 per hour. However, this is below the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, which most workers are subject to. This has been the federal rate since July 24, 2009.

It's important to note that some Southern states, including Georgia, have kept a low minimum wage on the books or don't have minimum wage laws at all. However, as of 2022, the minimum wage in Atlanta, Georgia was reported to be $10.50 per hour for all employees, regardless of age or tipped status. This is significantly higher than the federal minimum wage.

Minimum Wage Eligibility and Exemptions

In Georgia, the majority of employees are eligible for the state minimum wage, which is currently set at $7.25 per hour as of 2024. However, there are certain exemptions to this rule that employers and employees should be aware of. Firstly, a "special" minimum wage of $4.25 per hour applies to employees under the age of 20 during their first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment.

Secondly, there are programs that allow for payment below the federal minimum wage for "full-time students" and "student learners." In addition to these, tipped employees and some other exempt occupations may not be subject to the minimum wage. Lastly, certain classifications of employees are exempt from FLSA overtime pay requirements.

Minimum Wage Considerations and Compliance Tips

As a food business employer in Georgia, it's critical to understand the legal and compliance considerations related to minimum wage. Businesses with annual gross sales from one or more establishments totaling at least $500,000 are subject to the FLSA. Additionally, any person who works on or handles goods moving in interstate commerce is individually subject to the minimum wage and overtime protection of the FLSA.

Covered non-exempt workers are entitled to a federal minimum wage of not less than $7.25 per hour. Deductions made from wages for items such as cash shortages, required uniforms, or customer walk-outs are illegal if the deduction reduces the employee's wages below the minimum wage or cuts into overtime pay.

FAQs

• What is the current minimum wage in Georgia? As of 2024, the minimum wage in Georgia is $5.15 per hour. However, most workers are subject to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
• Are there any exemptions to the minimum wage in Georgia? Yes, there are exemptions for employees under the age of 20 during their first 90 days of employment, full-time students, student learners, and certain classifications of employees.

Information Source Links

• Georgia Code
• U.S. Department of Labor’s (USDOL) Wage and Hour Division
• Fair Labor Standards Act
• Georgia Minimum Wage
• Federal Minimum Wage

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