Minimum Wage Requirements in Wisconsin 2024

Overview of Wisconsin's Minimum Wage Requirements

As of 2024, the minimum wage in Wisconsin stands at $7.25 per hour, which is equivalent to the federal minimum wage. This rate has remained unchanged since 2009 and applies to most employees in the state. However, there are exceptions for certain occupations and situations. For instance, a special minimum wage of $5.90 per hour ($2.13 per hour for tipped employees) is applicable to "Opportunity Employees" under 20 years old who have worked for less than 90 days with their current employer.

It's important to note that this wage is significantly lower than the “living wage” calculated by economists, which is the hourly pay needed to afford basic necessities such as food, rent, and transportation. According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Living Wage Calculator, the living wage for a single adult in Wisconsin varies from $14.87 to $18.04 per hour depending on the county. For a two-adult household with two children, the living wage stands at a statewide average of $25.20 per hour.

Understanding Local Minimum Wage Variations

In Wisconsin, the minimum wage requirements in Dane County, Milwaukee County, Waukesha County, Brown County, Racine County, Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Kenosha, and Racine are the same as the state's minimum wage, which is $7.25 per hour. This rate is also equivalent to the Federal Minimum Wage. The minimum wage applies to most employees in Wisconsin, including all agricultural and farm employees.

However, in Waukesha County, minimum wages vary by job classification. For example, as of 12/30/2023, an “Accounting Services Coordinator” earns a minimum of $46.56 per hour, an “Administrative Assistant” $19.83, a “Building Service Worker” $15.54, a “Civilian Bailiff” $14.92, and a “County Board Supervisor” $4.59. These figures may vary based on factors such as experience and skills.

Minimum Wage Eligibility and Exemptions

In the state of Wisconsin, all employees are eligible for minimum wage, regardless of the basis on which they are paid – be it salary, hourly, commission, piece-rate, or flat rate. This is as long as they receive minimum wage for all hours worked in the pay period and overtime is paid when required.

However, there are certain exemptions to this rule. The overtime regulations in Wisconsin state that employees whose primary duty is administrative, executive, or professional work are “exempt” from overtime requirements. One of the requirements for these exemptions is that the employees are paid on a salary basis. It's important to note that not all salaried employees are “exempt.” Employees must meet the definitions in the law in order to be classified as exempt.

Minimum Wage Considerations and Compliance Tips

In Wisconsin, food business employers must adhere to several key minimum wage legal and compliance considerations. Firstly, the state sets minimum hourly wage rates that all employers, including those in the food industry, must follow. This applies to all private and public employers, regardless of whether they are covered by the federal minimum wage law.

Violations of these laws and rules can result in penalties, generally between $10.00 and $100.00 a day for each day of each violation. If the two laws differ, the stricter of the two laws must be followed, i.e. the law most beneficial to the employee.

FAQs

• What is the current minimum wage in Wisconsin? As of 2024, the minimum wage in Wisconsin is $7.25 per hour.
• Are there any exceptions to the minimum wage in Wisconsin? Yes, there are exceptions for certain occupations and situations, such as tipped employees and some student workers.
• What is the living wage in Wisconsin? The living wage for a single adult in Wisconsin varies from $14.87 to $18.04 per hour depending on the county.

Information Source Links

• Wisconsin Minimum Wage
• Federal Minimum Wage
• Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
• Wisconsin Restaurant Association

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