Mississippi MINIMUM WAGES

Mississippi State Minimum Wage for 2025

Mississippi’s state minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, which is the federal minimum wage. This rate applies to most workers in the state, though there are some exceptions, such as tipped employees, certain student workers, and other specific occupations.  

The minimum wage in Mississippi was last updated in 2008 when it increased by $0.70 from $6.55 to $7.25. At present, it remains at $7.25 per hour. Since Mississippi does not have a state-specific minimum wage, the federal minimum wage applies to all businesses by default. The state adheres to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) policies.  

Employers in Mississippi cannot pay below $7.25 per hour unless the employee or their position is specifically exempt from minimum wage requirements under state or federal law. 

Minimum Wages in Mississippi Cities

The table below details minimum wage rates across all the cities of Mississippi. 

Threshold For Employees Exempt

On April 23, 2024, the Department of Labor announced a significant change to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regarding the minimum salary threshold for overtime pay. This change may affect certain employees currently classified as exempt.  

According FLSA,   

• Exempt employees are those who are exempt from overtime regulations, paid a salary, and perform administrative, professional, executive, computer, or outside sales work.   
• Non-exempt employees are those paid hourly, perform more manual or technical duties, and are entitled to overtime pay for any hours worked beyond 40 in a work week.   

The minimum annual salary required for exemption from the FLSA’s minimum wage and overtime provisions is currently $35,568.  

This threshold will increase to $43,888 starting on July 1, 2024, and to $58,656 effective January 1, 2025. 

Historical Data of Mississippi Minimum Wages 

Mississippi has historically followed the federal minimum wage rates. The state saw significant changes in the minimum wage from $0.25 in 1938 to $7.25 in 2009, reflecting national economic adjustments. This progression highlights the evolving standards of living and labor policies over the decades.  

Source: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/minimum-wage/history

Exemptions in Minimum Wages of Mississippi 

Some primary exemptions from the minimum wage requirements in Mississippi are: 

• Employees who earn at least $30 in tips per month can be paid a lower minimum wage of $2.13 per hour. 
• Executive, administrative, and professional employees are exempt if they earn at least $684 per week and meet specific job duty requirements. 
• Employees primarily engaged in sales outside the employer’s place of business are exempt. 
• Workers with disabilities may be paid less than the minimum wage if they have a U.S. Department of Labor certificate. 
• Employees under 20 can be paid a minimum wage of $4.25 per hour for the first 90 days. 
• Farmworkers and Seasonal Workers are often exempt from minimum wage requirements. 
• Domestic workers, such as babysitters and elderly person helpers, are exempt. 
• In addition to the above specific minimum wage exemptions in Mississippi, the Federal Fair Labor Standards act also defines special minimum wage rates applicable to certain types of workers like: 
  • Under 20 Minimum Wage – $4.25  
  • Student Minimum Wage – $6.16