Key Takeaways
• Georgia’s minimum wage is $7.25/hour, matching the federal rate under the FLSA.
• Special wages apply to tipped workers ($2.13/hr), young workers ($4.25/hr), and full-time students.
• Employers with $500,000+ sales or interstate commerce must pay the federal minimum wage.
As of 2025, the minimum wage in Georgia stands at $7.25 per hour, matching the federal minimum wage set by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This rate affects thousands of workers and employers across the state, shaping paychecks, business costs, and the broader economic landscape. While Georgia state law lists a lower minimum wage of $5.15 per hour, almost all employees in Georgia are entitled to the higher federal minimum wage. This situation creates a unique dynamic for workers, businesses, and policymakers as debates about wage standards continue both locally and nationally.
Who Is Affected by the Minimum Wage in Georgia?

The minimum wage in Georgia impacts a wide range of people and businesses. Most workers in Georgia must be paid at least $7.25 per hour, which is the federal minimum wage. This rule covers employees working for companies with annual gross sales of $500,000 or more, or those involved in interstate commerce—meaning they do business across state lines or with out-of-state customers.
For the vast majority of Georgia’s workforce, the federal minimum wage is the standard. However, a small number of workers at very small, local businesses that do not meet the federal requirements might legally be paid the state minimum wage of $5.15 per hour. In practice, this is rare, as most employers choose to follow the federal minimum wage to stay competitive and avoid legal trouble.
Detailed Breakdown of Minimum Wage Rules in Georgia
Understanding the minimum wage in Georgia means looking at both state and federal laws, as well as special rules for certain types of workers. Here’s a closer look at how these rules work in 2025:
State Minimum Wage
- Georgia State Minimum Wage: $5.15 per hour (set by state law since 2001, unchanged)
- This rate is lower than the federal minimum wage and only applies to a very small group of workers not covered by the FLSA.
Federal Minimum Wage
- Federal Minimum Wage: $7.25 per hour (in effect since 2009)
- Applies to most workers in Georgia, including those working for larger businesses or those involved in interstate commerce.
Who Must Pay the Federal Minimum Wage?
Employers must pay the federal minimum wage if they:
- Have annual gross sales of $500,000 or more
- Are involved in interstate commerce (doing business across state lines)
- Employ workers in jobs that are covered by the FLSA
Most businesses in Georgia meet these requirements, so the $7.25 federal minimum wage is the rule for almost everyone.
Special Minimum Wage Rates
Some workers in Georgia have different minimum wage rules:
- Tipped Employees: These workers, such as restaurant servers, can be paid a cash wage of $2.13 per hour. However, their total earnings (cash wage plus tips) must add up to at least $7.25 per hour. If tips do not bring their total pay up to the minimum wage, the employer must make up the difference.
- Employees Under 20 Years Old: Employers can pay a training wage of $4.25 per hour for the first 90 days of employment.
- Full-Time Students: Students working part-time may be paid 85% of the minimum wage, which is $6.16 per hour, for up to 20 hours per week when school is in session.
Local Minimum Wage Laws
Unlike some other states, Georgia does not allow counties or cities to set their own minimum wage rates that are higher than the state or federal minimum wage. This means the $7.25 federal minimum wage applies everywhere in Georgia, from Atlanta to the smallest rural towns.
Historical Context: Why Is Georgia’s Minimum Wage So Low?
Georgia’s state minimum wage has been set at $5.15 per hour since 2001. However, since 2009, the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour has been higher and has taken precedence for most workers. The state legislature has not passed any new laws to raise the state minimum wage above the federal level.
This situation is not unique to Georgia. Several other states also have minimum wage laws that are lower than the federal minimum, but the federal law overrides them for most workers. The main reason Georgia’s state minimum wage remains so low is that lawmakers have not agreed on an increase, and there has been little political momentum to change it.
Why Does the Federal Minimum Wage Matter More in Georgia?
The federal minimum wage is the main standard in Georgia because of the way the FLSA works. The FLSA is a federal law that sets basic labor standards, including minimum wage, overtime pay, and child labor rules. When state and federal minimum wage laws are different, the higher rate applies to most workers.
In Georgia, this means that even though the state minimum wage is $5.15 per hour, almost all workers must be paid at least $7.25 per hour because of the federal law. Only a small number of workers at very small, local businesses not covered by the FLSA might be paid the lower state rate, but this is uncommon.
How Does Georgia Compare to Other States?
Georgia is one of a handful of states where the state minimum wage is lower than the federal minimum wage. Many other states have set their own minimum wages above the federal level. For example:
- California 🇺🇸: $16.00 per hour (as of 2025)
- Florida: $13.00 per hour (as of 2025)
- New York: $15.00 per hour (as of 2025)
These states have passed laws to raise their minimum wages above the federal standard, often in response to the rising cost of living and pressure from labor groups. In contrast, Georgia has kept its minimum wage at the same level for over two decades.
What Are the Practical Effects for Workers and Employers?
The minimum wage in Georgia has real effects on both workers and businesses. Here’s how:
For Workers
- Most workers in Georgia earn at least $7.25 per hour because of the federal minimum wage.
- Workers who receive tips, such as restaurant servers, may see lower base pay but can earn more through tips. Employers must ensure their total pay meets the minimum wage.
- Young workers and students may be paid less under special rules, but these exceptions are limited in time and scope.
- Workers at very small, local businesses not covered by the FLSA might earn the lower state minimum wage, but this is rare.
For Employers
- Employers must determine if they are covered by the FLSA. Most are, especially if they have $500,000 or more in annual sales or do business across state lines.
- Businesses must follow special rules for tipped employees, young workers, and students.
- Failure to pay the correct minimum wage can lead to legal penalties, fines, and back pay claims.
- Many small business owners choose to pay the federal minimum wage even if not required, to attract workers and avoid legal risks.
Key Stakeholders and Their Perspectives
The minimum wage debate in Georgia involves several important groups:
Georgia Legislature
- The state legislature has not raised the state minimum wage since 2001.
- No recent bills to increase the minimum wage have passed.
- Some lawmakers argue that a higher minimum wage could hurt small businesses, while others say it is needed to help workers keep up with the cost of living.
Federal Government
- The federal government, through the FLSA, sets the $7.25 minimum wage that applies to most workers in Georgia.
- Any change to the federal minimum wage would require action by Congress.
- National debates about raising the federal minimum wage continue, but no changes have been made as of mid-2025.
Business Community
- Many business owners in Georgia support the current minimum wage framework, citing low operating costs and a competitive labor market.
- Some businesses worry that a higher minimum wage could increase costs and lead to job losses, especially in industries like hospitality and retail.
Labor Advocates
- Labor groups and worker advocates continue to push for higher minimum wages at both the state and federal levels.
- They argue that the current minimum wage is not enough to cover basic living expenses and that raising it would help reduce poverty and boost the economy.
- Despite these efforts, there has been no legislative success in Georgia as of 2025.
Workers
- Workers benefit from the federal minimum wage protections but face challenges due to the lack of state-level increases.
- Many workers struggle to make ends meet on $7.25 per hour, especially as the cost of living rises.
The Ongoing Debate: Should the Minimum Wage Be Raised?
The question of whether to raise the minimum wage in Georgia and across the United States 🇺🇸 is a hot topic. Supporters of a higher minimum wage say it would help workers afford basic needs, reduce poverty, and stimulate the economy by putting more money in people’s pockets. Opponents argue that raising the minimum wage could lead to higher business costs, job losses, and higher prices for consumers.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the debate over the minimum wage is likely to continue, with strong opinions on both sides. In Georgia, the lack of recent action means the federal minimum wage remains the standard for now.
What Should Employers and Workers Do?
Employers in Georgia should:
- Check if they are covered by the FLSA. Most are, especially if they have $500,000 or more in annual sales or do business across state lines.
- Pay at least $7.25 per hour to most employees, following federal law.
- Follow special rules for tipped employees, young workers, and students.
- Stay up to date with federal and state labor laws to avoid legal trouble.
Workers in Georgia should:
- Know their rights under federal and state minimum wage laws.
- Ask questions if they are paid less than $7.25 per hour and believe they should be covered by the federal minimum wage.
- Contact the U.S. Department of Labor if they believe their employer is not following the law.
For more information, workers and employers can visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division for official guidance and resources.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Minimum Wage in Georgia
As of July 2025, there are no announced or pending changes to Georgia’s minimum wage law or the federal minimum wage. National discussions about raising the federal minimum wage continue, but Congress has not passed any new laws. Georgia may consider local minimum wage ordinances in the future, but currently, no such laws exist.
The minimum wage in Georgia will likely remain at $7.25 per hour for the foreseeable future unless there is action at the federal or state level. Workers and employers should continue to monitor developments and be prepared for possible changes.
Conclusion: What Does This Mean for Georgia?
The minimum wage in Georgia for 2025 is $7.25 per hour, set by federal law. While the state minimum wage is lower, almost all workers are protected by the higher federal standard. Special rules apply to tipped workers, young employees, and students, but these exceptions are limited.
Employers must follow federal rules to avoid penalties, and workers should know their rights. The debate over raising the minimum wage continues, but for now, the federal minimum wage remains the law in Georgia.
For those seeking more details or needing to check specific rules, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division provides up-to-date information and resources. Staying informed is the best way for both workers and employers to protect their interests and comply with the law.
Learn Today
FLSA → Fair Labor Standards Act, a federal law setting minimum wage, overtime, and labor standards.
Federal Minimum Wage → The legally mandated lowest hourly pay rate set by the federal government, currently $7.25 in Georgia.
Tipped Employees → Workers who earn part of their wages from tips, with lower base pay allowed by law.
Interstate Commerce → Business activities that cross state lines or involve out-of-state customers, triggering federal wage laws.
Training Wage → A reduced minimum wage rate for workers under 20 during their first 90 days of employment.
This Article in a Nutshell
In 2025, Georgia’s minimum wage stays at $7.25 per hour, aligned with federal law. Most workers earn this rate, with special rules for tipped, young, and student employees. Despite a lower state minimum, federal law protects nearly all workers, shaping wages and business practices statewide.
— By VisaVerge.com