Pennsylvania MINIMUM WAGES

As of 2024, Pennsylvania’s minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, which is the federal minimum wage. However, there are significant legislative efforts underway to increase this rate. 

The Pennsylvania minimum wage was changed in 2008, when it was raised $0.10 from $7.15 to $7.25. 

21st April, 2025
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Pennsylvania State Minimum Wage for 2025

As of 2024, Pennsylvania’s minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, which is the federal minimum wage. However, there are significant legislative efforts underway to increase this rate. 

The Pennsylvania minimum wage was changed in 2008, when it was raised $0.10 from $7.15 to $7.25. 

Senate Bill 1186 proposes raising the minimum wage to $20 per hour starting July 1, 2024. This bill also includes provisions for cost-of-living adjustments every five years, tied to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers (CPI-U)

Minimum Wages in Pennsylvania Cities

Here is a table of Pennsylvania Minimum Wages in 2024; 

City Non-Tipped Employees Tipped Employees
Philadelphia $7.25 $2.83
Pittsburgh $7.25 $2.83
Allentown $7.25 $2.83
Erie $7.25 $2.83
Reading $7.25 $2.83
Scranton $7.25 $2.83
Bethlehem $7.25 $2.83
Lancaster $7.25 $2.83
Harrisburg $7.25 $2.83
York $7.25 $2.83
Altoona $7.25 $2.83
Wilkes-Barre $7.25 $2.83
Chester $7.25 $2.83
Easton $7.25 $2.83
Lebanon $7.25 $2.83
Hazleton $7.25 $2.83
New Castle $7.25 $2.83
Johnstown $7.25 $2.83
McKeesport $7.25 $2.83
Hermitage $7.25 $2.83
Pottstown $7.25 $2.83
State College $7.25 $2.83
Williamsport $7.25 $2.83
West Chester $7.25 $2.83
Norristown $7.25 $2.83
Chambersburg $7.25 $2.83
Carlisle $7.25 $2.83
Levittown $7.25 $2.83
Bensalem $7.25 $2.83

Threshold For Employees Exempt

Starting July 1, 2024, in Pennsylvania, the minimum salary threshold for exempt employees will be $844 per week ($43,888 annually). Minimum wage increases can lead to wage compression, prompting employers to adjust salaries for exempt employees to maintain pay differentiation based on roles and responsibilities.

According FLSA,  minimum wage affects both exempt and non-exempt employees differently. 

  • 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.   

Non-exempt employees must be paid at least the federal or state/local minimum wage for every hour worked and receive overtime pay at 1.5 times their regular rate.  

If the minimum wage increases, their pay must also increase to meet the new standard. Exempt employees must earn at least $684 per week ($35,568 annually) to qualify as exempt, with some states having higher thresholds. 

Historical Data of Pennsylvania Minimum Wages 

Pennsylvania’s minimum wage has undergone several changes, reflecting economic conditions and legislative actions. The state last raised its minimum wage on July 24, 2009, from $7.15 to $7.25 per hour, aligning with the federal minimum wage increase. This change was part of a broader effort to ensure fair wages for workers amidst rising living costs.    

Here’s representing the historical minimum wage rates in Pennsylvania: 

Year Minimum Wage (USD)
1968 1.60
1974 2.00
1976 2.30
1978 2.65
1979 2.90
1980 3.10
1981 3.35
1990 3.80
1991 4.25
1996 4.75
1997 5.15
2007 6.25
2007 7.15
2009 7.25

The current discussions around raising the minimum wage to $20 per hour by 2024 indicate a significant shift towards ensuring a living wage for all workers in Pennsylvania. 

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

Exemptions in Minimum Wages of Pennsylvania 

Here’s a list of all employees that fall into the exempt category.    

  • Executive, administrative, and professional are exempt from minimum wage and overtime requirements if they meet specific job duty criteria and earn a salary above a certain threshold. 
  • Salespeople and employees who primarily work outside the employer’s place of business and meet specific job duty criteria are exempt. 
  • Certain computer employees, such as analysts, computer programmers, software engineers, and other similarly skilled workers, meet specific criteria. 
  • Some exemptions apply only to overtime pay, not minimum wage. 

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Working 30 hours or more per week in Pennsylvania is generally considered full-time employment. However, specific companies might have their own definitions, so it's always good to check with your employer

    While working 16 hours a day in Pennsylvania is legal, your employer must follow overtime pay rules. This means you should be paid extra for any hours worked beyond 40 a week.

    As of January 1st, 2024, the minimum wage in Pennsylvania is $11 per hour. That means most employers in the state must pay their workers at least that much.

    The average cost is around $49,040 per year. This includes expenses like housing, utilities, food, and transportation. The cost can vary depending on where you live in the state.

    The average cost of living in Pennsylvania is around $49,040 per year. This includes expenses like housing, utilities, food, and transportation. Keep in mind the cost can vary depending on where you live in the state

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