Minimum wage laws set the legal floor for worker compensation. Understanding minimum wage rates is important for employers, employees, and anyone comparing compensation across markets.
Minimum wage by country (2024)
| Country | Minimum Wage (per hour) | Annual (full-time) |
|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇺 Australia | A$23.23 (~$15.30 USD) | ~$31,800 USD |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | £11.44 (~$14.50 USD) | ~$30,200 USD |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | €12.41 (~$13.50 USD) | ~$28,100 USD |
| 🇺🇸 United States (federal) | $7.25 | $15,080 |
| 🇺🇸 California | $16.00 | $33,280 |
| 🇺🇸 New York City | $16.00 | $33,280 |
| 🇨🇦 Canada (federal) | C$17.30 (~$12.80 USD) | ~$26,600 USD |
| 🇫🇷 France | €11.65 (~$12.70 USD) | ~$26,400 USD |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | ¥1,004 (~$6.50 USD) | ~$13,500 USD |
US minimum wage by state (selected)
- California: $16.00/hr
- New York: $16.00/hr
- Washington: $16.28/hr
- Massachusetts: $15.00/hr
- Colorado: $14.42/hr
- Texas (federal): $7.25/hr
- Florida: $13.00/hr
Living wage vs minimum wage
The living wage — the amount needed to cover basic living costs — is typically 2–3× the minimum wage in expensive cities. MIT's Living Wage Calculator estimates the living wage for a single adult in the US averages around $22–$25/hour, significantly above the $7.25 federal minimum.
Calculate your salary: Use our Hourly to Annual Calculator to see what any hourly wage translates to annually, or our Tax Calculator to estimate take-home pay.