Idaho Minimum Wage 2025: Detailed Breakdown of Rates and Rules

Key Takeaways

• Idaho’s minimum wage in 2025 remains $7.25 per hour, matching the unchanged federal rate since 2009.
• Tipped employees earn $3.35 hourly plus tips; training wage for under-20 workers is $4.25 for 90 days.
• Idaho rejected a $12 minimum wage increase bill; immigrant workers have equal wage rights statewide.

Idaho’s Minimum Wage in 2025: What Workers, Employers, and Immigrants Need to Know

As of 2025, the minimum wage in Idaho stands at $7.25 per hour, matching the federal minimum wage that has remained unchanged since 2009. This rate applies across the entire state, with no city or county allowed to set a higher or lower minimum wage. For immigrants, new arrivals, and anyone considering work in Idaho, understanding how the minimum wage works—and what it means for different types of workers—is essential. This article explains the details, the background, and the real-life impact of Idaho’s minimum wage in 2025.

Who Is Affected by Idaho’s Minimum Wage in 2025?

The minimum wage is the lowest legal hourly pay that employers can offer most workers. In Idaho, this rule covers almost all employees, including immigrants with work authorization, U.S. citizens, and lawful permanent residents. The law applies to full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers, with a few exceptions for certain student workers and young new hires.

Key facts:
– Minimum wage in Idaho (2025): $7.25 per hour
– Tipped employees minimum wage: $3.35 per hour (with tips making up the difference)
– Training wage for new hires under 20: $4.25 per hour (for the first 90 days)
– Student wage: $6.16 per hour (85% of minimum wage, for up to 20 hours per week in certain jobs)

These rates are enforced by the Idaho Department of Labor, which makes sure employers follow the law. If you’re an immigrant worker, you have the same rights to the minimum wage as any other employee in Idaho.

Why Did Idaho Keep the Minimum Wage at $7.25 in 2025?

While many states raised their minimum wages in 2025, Idaho chose not to. Lawmakers debated a bill to increase the minimum wage to $12 per hour, but it did not pass. Business groups and conservative lawmakers argued that a higher minimum wage would hurt small businesses, which make up a large part of Idaho’s economy. They worried that higher labor costs could lead to layoffs or fewer job opportunities, especially in rural areas.

As a result, Idaho remains one of 20 states that use the federal minimum wage without any state-specific increase. This decision reflects Idaho’s long-standing approach to supporting business growth by keeping labor costs low and regulations simple.

How Does the Minimum Wage Work for Different Types of Workers?

Idaho’s minimum wage law covers most workers, but there are special rules for tipped employees, young new hires, and student workers. Here’s how it breaks down:

Standard Minimum Wage: $7.25 per hour
– Applies to almost all employees, regardless of age, immigration status, or job type.
– No city or county in Idaho can set a different minimum wage.

Tipped Employees: $3.35 per hour
– Workers who regularly receive tips (like restaurant servers) can be paid a lower cash wage of $3.35 per hour.
– Employers must make sure that tips plus the cash wage add up to at least $7.25 per hour. If not, the employer must pay the difference.
– Careful record-keeping is required to prove that tipped workers receive at least the minimum wage.

Training Wage for New Hires Under 20: $4.25 per hour
– Employers can pay new workers under age 20 a lower wage of $4.25 per hour for the first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment.
– After 90 days, the worker must be paid at least $7.25 per hour.

Student Workers: $6.16 per hour
– Full-time high school or college students can be paid 85% of the minimum wage (which is $6.16 per hour) for up to 20 hours per week.
– This rule applies to certain jobs, such as work-study programs.

Summary Table: Idaho Minimum Wage Rates in 2025

What Does This Mean for Immigrants and Newcomers?

For immigrants and newcomers to Idaho, the minimum wage rules are the same as for everyone else. If you have legal permission to work in the United States 🇺🇸, you are entitled to at least the minimum wage for your job. This includes refugees, asylum seekers, green card holders, and those with work visas.

Important points for immigrant workers:
– You cannot be paid less than the minimum wage, even if you are new to the country or do not speak English well.
– If you work in a job where tips are common, your total pay (wage plus tips) must be at least $7.25 per hour.
– If you are under 20 and just started a new job, your employer can pay you $4.25 per hour for the first 90 days, but after that, you must be paid at least $7.25 per hour.
– Student workers in certain programs can be paid $6.16 per hour, but only for up to 20 hours per week.

If you believe your employer is not paying you the correct wage, you can contact the Idaho Department of Labor for help. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to file a complaint.

Why Does Idaho’s Minimum Wage Matter for Immigrants?

Many immigrants work in jobs that pay close to the minimum wage, such as in restaurants, hotels, agriculture, and cleaning services. The minimum wage sets the lowest legal pay for these jobs, so it directly affects the income and quality of life for many immigrant families.

Because Idaho’s minimum wage has not increased since 2009, workers earning the minimum wage have seen their buying power shrink as the cost of living rises. This can make it harder for newcomers to afford housing, food, and other basic needs.

Practical challenges for minimum wage workers in Idaho:
– Rising costs: Prices for rent, groceries, and transportation have gone up, but the minimum wage has stayed the same.
– No local increases: Unlike some states where cities can set higher minimum wages, Idaho’s rate is the same everywhere.
– Limited job options: Many entry-level jobs pay only the minimum wage, making it tough for new arrivals to find better-paying work right away.

How Does Idaho’s Minimum Wage Compare to Other States in 2025?

In 2025, many states have raised their minimum wages above the federal level. For example, states like California 🇺🇸 and Washington 🇺🇸 have minimum wages over $15 per hour. Idaho, by contrast, remains at $7.25 per hour, making it one of the lowest in the country.

Key differences:
– Idaho: $7.25 per hour (no local increases allowed)
– Neighboring states: Some, like Oregon 🇺🇸 and Washington 🇺🇸, have much higher minimum wages
– Federal minimum wage: $7.25 per hour (unchanged since 2009)

This gap means that workers in Idaho may earn much less than those doing similar jobs in nearby states. Some workers, including immigrants, may choose to move to states with higher wages if they can find work there.

What Are the Arguments For and Against Raising Idaho’s Minimum Wage?

The debate over the minimum wage in Idaho is ongoing. Here’s what different groups say:

Business groups and many lawmakers argue:
– Raising the minimum wage would hurt small businesses, which might have to cut jobs or close.
– Low labor costs help attract new businesses to Idaho and keep the economy growing.
– Higher wages could lead to higher prices for goods and services.

Labor advocates and some legislators argue:
– The current minimum wage is too low for workers to afford basic needs.
– Raising the wage would help reduce poverty and improve living standards.
– Many other states have raised their minimum wages without major job losses.

In 2025, a bill to raise the minimum wage to $12 per hour was introduced but failed to pass. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this reflects Idaho’s conservative approach to wage regulation and its focus on supporting business growth.

What Are the Legal Rights and Protections for Minimum Wage Workers in Idaho?

Idaho follows federal labor standards closely. The Idaho Department of Labor enforces wage laws and can help workers who are not being paid correctly. The state does not require employers to provide breaks or meal periods, and most jobs are “at-will,” meaning employers can let workers go for almost any reason, as long as it is not illegal discrimination.

If you are a worker in Idaho:
– You have the right to be paid at least the minimum wage for every hour worked.
– If you are a tipped employee, your total pay (wage plus tips) must be at least $7.25 per hour.
– If you are under 20 and in your first 90 days at a new job, you can be paid $4.25 per hour, but after that, you must get at least $7.25 per hour.
– If you are a student worker in a special program, you can be paid $6.16 per hour for up to 20 hours per week.

If you think your employer is breaking the law, you can file a complaint with the Idaho Department of Labor. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to get help. For more information, visit the Idaho Department of Labor’s official wage and hour page.

What Are the Real-Life Impacts of Idaho’s Minimum Wage Policy?

For many workers, especially immigrants and newcomers, the minimum wage is the starting point for building a life in Idaho. While the low wage helps some businesses keep costs down, it can make it hard for workers to cover basic expenses.

Examples of real-life impacts:
– Maria, a recent immigrant from Mexico 🇲🇽, works as a hotel housekeeper in Boise. She earns $7.25 per hour and sometimes struggles to pay rent and buy groceries for her family.
– Ahmed, a refugee from Syria 🇸🇾, found a job as a restaurant server. He earns $3.35 per hour plus tips, but some weeks his total pay barely reaches $7.25 per hour.
– Samantha, a college student, works 15 hours a week in a campus dining hall under a student wage program, earning $6.16 per hour. She uses this money to help pay for textbooks and living expenses.

These stories show how the minimum wage affects people’s daily lives, especially those who are new to Idaho or the United States 🇺🇸.

What Should Employers Know About Idaho’s Minimum Wage in 2025?

Employers in Idaho must follow the state’s minimum wage laws. This means:
– Paying at least $7.25 per hour to most employees
– Making sure tipped employees receive at least $7.25 per hour in total pay
– Using the training wage for new hires under 20 only for the first 90 days
– Paying student workers the correct rate and following the rules for hours worked

Employers should keep good records of hours worked and wages paid. Failure to follow the law can lead to fines and penalties.

What Is the Future Outlook for Idaho’s Minimum Wage?

As of mid-2025, there are no active proposals to raise the minimum wage in Idaho. Given the state’s political climate and recent legislative history, major changes are unlikely soon. However, economic conditions and public opinion can shift, so it’s important for workers and employers to stay informed.

Key points for the future:
– Idaho’s minimum wage is likely to remain at $7.25 per hour for the near future.
– Workers may continue to face challenges with rising living costs.
– Employers benefit from stable labor costs but may struggle to attract and keep workers, especially as other states raise their wages.

Where Can You Find More Information?

For official information about Idaho’s minimum wage and labor laws, visit the Idaho Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour page. This site provides details on wage rates, worker rights, and how to file a complaint.

Takeaways for Workers and Employers in Idaho:
– The minimum wage in Idaho in 2025 is $7.25 per hour.
– Special rules apply for tipped workers, young new hires, and student workers.
– Immigrants and newcomers have the same rights as other workers.
– No increase in the minimum wage is expected soon.
– Official information and help are available from the Idaho Department of Labor.

By understanding these rules, workers can protect their rights, and employers can avoid costly mistakes. Staying informed is the best way to make smart decisions about work and pay in Idaho.

Learn Today

Minimum Wage → The lowest hourly pay employers must legally pay most workers under labor laws.
Tipped Employees → Workers who earn tips regularly and have a lower base wage plus tips equaling minimum wage.
Training Wage → A lower hourly rate paid to new workers under 20 during their first 90 days of employment.
Student Wage → A reduced pay rate (85% of minimum wage) for full-time students working limited hours.
Idaho Department of Labor → State agency enforcing wage laws and assisting workers with complaints about pay issues.

This Article in a Nutshell

In 2025, Idaho’s minimum wage stays at $7.25 per hour, unchanged since 2009. Immigrants share equal wage rights. Special rates apply for tipped, young, and student workers. Business concerns kept the wage steady despite rising living costs. Understanding these rules helps workers protect their pay rights and employers comply with labor laws.
— By VisaVerge.com