Inflation has started to slow down after reaching the big hike in 2022. Many students and part-time workers still find it difficult to cope with the cost-of-living expenses. Even though the cost of basic essentials such as rent and groceries are still expensive before the pandemic hit.
Due to this current scenario, the Minimum Wage for Students in the US in 2025 news is circulating all over the internet. Students who work part-time jobs to pay their school fees and cover daily expenses find it difficult to make ends meet.
Minimum Wage for Students in US
Minimum wage for students in the US in 2025 has already been considered by certain states, due to which they have already increased the minimum wage, which has kind of given a little relief to student workers. But in other places still, the federal minimum rate sticks at $7.25 per hour.
Minimum wage for students in the US in 2025 has become a major concern because the prices of essential things are still high; therefore, to maintain their cost of living, it becomes a big deal for the students to get a fair wage. With this, they can cover all their daily needs while focusing on their studies.
US Minimum Wage for Students Overview
| Authority | U.S. Department of Labor |
| Program Name | Minimum Wage for Student Workers |
| Country | USA |
| Amount Range by State | $7.25 to $16.00 (Per hour) |
| Payment Frequency | Based on job schedule (weekly/biweekly) |
| Top Paying States | California, New York, Washington, Illinois |
| Lowest Paying States | Texas, Virginia, Oklahoma, Georgia |
| Category | Education |
| Official Website | https://www.usa.gov/ |
States Paying Students $15 Per Hour
There are several states in the USA that have already implemented the minimum wage increase up to the level of $15 per hour in the year 2025. The state includes New York, Illinois, Delaware, Maryland, and more. They all have moved to reach the increased goal of $15 within this year.
This shift in pay adjustments reflects a broader aspect of the government’s initiative to minimize the wage gap and assist low-wage earners. In some states, the timeline for receiving payments may vary; however, those states remain committed to providing fair pay to all workers, including students.
Student Wages Differ by State
The states come with different approaches when it comes to minimum wage laws, and the gap between the federal and state levels keeps on growing:
- Several US States do not stick to the minimum federal wage of $7.25 and have set the higher rates.
- The states such as New York, Maryland, California, Washington, and New Jersey are among those states that offer higher base rates.
- Certain states even exceed their state’s local minimum wage, such as Denver, whose new rate is $18.29 in 2024 in comparison with Colorado’s $14.42.
- While on the other hand there are about 20 states that continue to enforce the national minimum of $7.25/hour.
- This uneven wage creates a noticeable difference depending upon the student and workers and where they live.
State Wise Minimum Wage for Students
States across the United States have varied their minimum wage in 2025, with variations occurring state-by-state. Below is the breakdown of the states from the one that provides the lowest wage to the highest wage:
- States that are sticking to the federal base of $7.25 include Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Idaho, Iowa, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin.
- States such as Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania also stay at the minimum wage and have no goal of raising the wage.
- Georgia and the Northern Mariana Islands showcase the lowest wages below the threshold of $7.25, but they have to stick to the national base.
- States such as Michigan, Florida, Alaska, Ohio, and Arkansas are ranging in the zone of $10 to $12.
- US states like Delaware, Colorado, Illinois, Arizona, and Maine have hit the mark of $12.
- Leading states, including the District of Columbia, New York, California, and Washington, have pushed the base pay and crossed the mark of $15.
State-Wise Salary Hike 2025 (Minimum Wages by State)
| State | Wages in 2025 |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $11.73 |
| Arizona | $14.35 |
| Arkansas | $11.00 |
| California | $16.00 |
| Colorado | $14.42 |
| Connecticut | $15.69 |
| Delaware | $13.25 |
| District of Columbia | $17.00 |
| Florida | $12.00 |
| Georgia | $5.15 |
| Guam | $9.25 |
| Hawaii | $14.00 |
| Idaho | $7.25 |
| Illinois | $14.00 |
| Indiana | $7.25 |
| Iowa | $7.25 |
| Kansas | $7.25 |
| Kentucky | $7.25 |
| Maine | $14.15 |
| Massachusetts | $15.00 |
| Maryland | $15.00 |
| Michigan | $10.33 |
| Minnesota | $10.85 |
| Missouri | $12.30 |
| Montana | $10.30 |
| Nebraska | $12.00 |
| Nevada | $11.25 |
| New Hampshire | $7.25 |
| New Jersey | $15.13 |
| New Mexico | $12.00 |
| New York | $16.00 |
| North Carolina | $7.25 |
| North Dakota | $7.25 |
| Northern Mariana Islands | $7.25 |
| Ohio | $10.45 |
| Oklahoma | $7.25 |
| Oregon | $14.20 |
| Rhode Island | $14.00 |
| South Dakota | $11.20 |
| Washington | $16.28 |
| Vermont | $13.67 |
2025 Minimum Wage for Students in USA
The minimum wage for students in 2025 reflects the significant changes all over the United States. Many states have revised their minimum wage laws to help students and low-income earners keep up with daily living expenses.
In January 2025, there are almost 22 states that are going to apply the higher wage rates, such as Florida, Oregon, and Nevada. California, New York and Washington are the top states that come forward and provide wages up to $16 or more. On the other side, 20 states are holding and keeping the federal minimum of $7.25/hr.
FAQs
Is the student minimum wage applying across all US states?
No, only half of the states increase the wages, while others keep them at $7.25.
Which states offer the highest minimum for students?
California, New York, along with Washington touch the highest minimum wage for students.
Has the federal minimum wage increased in 2025?
No, the federal minimum wage remains at $7.25.
