Key Takeaways
• Oklahoma’s minimum wage in 2025 is $7.25 per hour, matching the federal rate unchanged since 2009.
• Local minimum wages are higher: $11.50 in Oklahoma City and $12.00 in Norman for 2025.
• A 2026 ballot will decide wage increases starting 2027, potentially reaching $15 per hour by 2029.
As of July 6, 2025, The minimum wage in Oklahoma stands at $7.25 per hour, matching the federal minimum wage set by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This rate has not changed since 2009, making Oklahoma one of about 20 states that have not set a higher state-specific minimum wage. The question of whether this rate is enough for workers, and how it affects both employees and employers, is at the center of ongoing debates and policy discussions in the state.
Who Is Affected by Oklahoma’s Minimum Wage?
The minimum wage in Oklahoma impacts a wide range of people, from teenagers starting their first jobs to adults supporting families. According to recent data, more than 200,000 Oklahomans earn minimum wage or less. Many of these workers are adults over 25, and women and workers of color are especially likely to be in minimum wage jobs. These jobs are often in important fields like healthcare, childcare, and education, where workers play a key role in their communities.
Employers, especially small business owners, also feel the effects of minimum wage laws. They must keep up with federal, state, and sometimes local rules to make sure they pay their workers the right amount. In cities like Oklahoma City and Norman, where local governments have set higher minimum wages, businesses must pay those higher rates if they operate within city limits.
What Is the Minimum Wage in Oklahoma in 2025?
The minimum wage in Oklahoma in 2025 is $7.25 per hour. This is the same as the federal minimum wage, which has not changed since 2009. The state has not passed any laws to raise the minimum wage above the federal level. This means that, unless you work in a city with a higher local minimum wage, $7.25 per hour is the lowest amount most workers can legally be paid.
Detailed Breakdown of Minimum Wage Categories
- Standard Minimum Wage: Most employees in Oklahoma must be paid at least $7.25 per hour.
- Tipped Minimum Wage: Workers who earn tips, like servers and bartenders, can be paid as little as $3.63 per hour by their employer. However, their total earnings (wages plus tips) must add up to at least $7.25 per hour. If tips do not bring their earnings up to this level, the employer must make up the difference.
- Youth Minimum Wage: Workers under 20 years old can be paid $4.25 per hour for their first 90 days of employment. After that, they must be paid the standard minimum wage.
- Student Minimum Wage: Part-time workers who are full-time high school or college students may be paid $6.16 per hour for certain jobs.
- Exemptions: Some workers are not covered by minimum wage laws. These include certain farm workers, some seasonal workers, and others who are exempt under the FLSA.
Local Minimum Wages: Oklahoma City and Norman
While the state minimum wage remains at $7.25 per hour, some cities in Oklahoma have set higher local minimum wages. For example:
- Oklahoma City: $11.50 per hour
- Norman: $12.00 per hour
If you work within the city limits of Oklahoma City or Norman, your employer must pay you at least the local minimum wage. This local rate overrides the state and federal minimum wage. These local increases are meant to help workers keep up with the higher cost of living in these cities.
Historical Context: Why Hasn’t the Minimum Wage Changed?
Oklahoma’s minimum wage has not increased since 2008, when it went up from $6.55 to $7.25 per hour. Since then, the state has simply followed the federal minimum wage, without making any adjustments for inflation or the rising cost of living. This means that, in real terms, the buying power of minimum wage workers has gone down over time.
In 2024, a group of advocates filed a ballot initiative called State Question 832. This proposal would gradually raise Oklahoma’s minimum wage, starting in 2025. The plan was to increase the wage to $9 in 2025, $10.50 in 2026, $12 in 2027, $13.50 in 2028, and $15 in 2029. However, Governor Kevin Stitt issued an executive order that put this initiative on the June 16, 2026, primary election ballot. This means that voters will decide in 2026 whether to approve the wage increases. If approved, the first increase would take effect on January 1, 2027. Until then, the minimum wage remains at $7.25 per hour statewide.
How Does the Minimum Wage Affect Workers?
For many workers, earning $7.25 per hour means living on a tight budget. A full-time worker making this wage earns about $15,080 per year before taxes. This amount is just above the federal poverty level for a single person, but it is not enough to support a family. Many minimum wage workers struggle to pay for basic needs like housing, food, and healthcare.
The impact is even greater for workers who are supporting children or other family members. Many of these workers have to take on multiple jobs or work long hours just to make ends meet. According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, the majority of minimum wage earners in Oklahoma are adults over 25, not teenagers. Women and workers of color are especially likely to be in these low-wage jobs.
How Does the Minimum Wage Affect Employers?
Employers in Oklahoma must follow both federal and state minimum wage laws. If they operate in a city with a higher local minimum wage, they must pay that higher rate. This can be challenging for small businesses, especially if they have tight profit margins. Some business owners worry that raising the minimum wage could force them to cut jobs or reduce hours.
On the other hand, many employers recognize that paying higher wages can help them attract and keep good workers. Higher wages can also lead to lower turnover, which saves money on hiring and training new employees. Some businesses in Oklahoma City and Norman have already adjusted to the higher local minimum wages and report positive results.
The Debate Over Raising the Minimum Wage
The question of whether to raise the minimum wage is a hot topic in Oklahoma. Supporters of an increase argue that the current rate is too low for workers to live on, especially given the rising cost of living since 2009. They say that raising the minimum wage would help reduce poverty and improve living standards for many Oklahomans.
Opponents, including some business groups and political leaders, worry that a higher minimum wage could hurt small businesses and lead to job losses. They argue that businesses might respond by cutting jobs, reducing hours, or raising prices. Some also believe that wage increases should be left to the market, rather than set by the government.
The upcoming 2026 ballot initiative will give voters a chance to decide the future of Oklahoma’s minimum wage policy. If approved, the state’s minimum wage would begin to rise in 2027, eventually reaching $15 per hour by 2029.
What Should Workers and Employers Do Now?
Until the 2026 vote, the minimum wage in Oklahoma remains at $7.25 per hour, except in cities with higher local rates. Workers should check whether they are being paid the correct wage for their job and location. Employers must make sure they are following all federal, state, and local wage laws.
If you are a tipped worker, remember that your total earnings (wages plus tips) must add up to at least $7.25 per hour. If they do not, your employer must make up the difference. Young workers under 20 can be paid $4.25 per hour for their first 90 days, but after that, they must receive the standard minimum wage. Part-time student workers may be paid $6.16 per hour for certain jobs.
If you have questions about your rights or responsibilities, you can contact the Oklahoma Department of Labor or the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division. These agencies can help you understand the rules and make sure you are being treated fairly. For more information, you can visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division for official guidance on minimum wage laws.
Summary Table: Oklahoma Minimum Wage 2025
Here is a quick summary of the different minimum wage rates in Oklahoma for 2025:
| Category | Wage Rate (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Minimum Wage | $7.25 per hour | Same as federal minimum wage |
| Tipped Minimum Wage | $3.63 per hour | Must earn enough tips to reach $7.25 total |
| Youth (under 20) Wage | $4.25 per hour (first 90 days) | Temporary lower wage for new young workers |
| Student Wage | $6.16 per hour | For part-time full-time students |
| Local Minimum Wages | $11.50 (Oklahoma City), $12.00 (Norman) | Local ordinances override state minimum |
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Ballot Initiative
The most important upcoming event for minimum wage policy in Oklahoma is the June 16, 2026, primary election. Voters will decide whether to approve State Question 832, which would raise the minimum wage in stages starting in 2027. If the measure passes, the minimum wage would increase to $12 in 2027, $13.50 in 2028, and $15 in 2029.
This decision will have a big impact on workers, employers, and the state’s economy. Supporters believe it will help lift many people out of poverty and make it easier for families to afford basic needs. Opponents worry about the possible effects on small businesses and job opportunities.
Practical Tips for Workers
- Check your pay: Make sure you are being paid at least the minimum wage for your job and location.
- Know your rights: If you are a tipped worker, your total pay (wages plus tips) must be at least $7.25 per hour.
- Ask questions: If you are unsure about your pay or rights, contact the Oklahoma Department of Labor or the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division.
- Stay informed: Watch for updates about the 2026 ballot initiative, as it could change the minimum wage in the future.
Practical Tips for Employers
- Review your payroll: Make sure you are paying at least the minimum wage required by federal, state, and local laws.
- Keep good records: Track hours worked and wages paid to avoid mistakes and possible penalties.
- Plan for changes: If the minimum wage increases in the future, be ready to adjust your payroll and budget.
- Communicate with employees: Let your workers know about any changes to their pay or the law.
Broader Implications for Immigrants and Newcomers
For immigrants and newcomers to Oklahoma, understanding the minimum wage is especially important. Many new arrivals start out in low-wage jobs, and knowing the law helps protect them from unfair treatment. Employers who hire immigrants must also follow all wage laws, regardless of a worker’s immigration status.
If you are an immigrant worker and have questions about your rights, you can reach out to local community organizations or legal aid groups for help. These groups can provide information in different languages and help you understand your rights under the law.
Conclusion: What Comes Next for Oklahoma’s Minimum Wage?
As of mid-2025, the minimum wage in Oklahoma remains at $7.25 per hour, with higher rates in Oklahoma City and Norman. The state’s minimum wage has not changed since 2009, and many workers struggle to make ends meet on this amount. The upcoming 2026 ballot initiative could bring big changes, but until then, the current rates remain in place.
Both workers and employers should stay informed about the law and be ready for possible changes in the future. For now, the best way to protect your rights or your business is to know the rules and follow them closely.
For more detailed information and updates, you can visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division or contact the Oklahoma Department of Labor. As reported by VisaVerge.com, staying informed and prepared is the best way to handle the changing landscape of minimum wage laws in Oklahoma.
By understanding the current rules and watching for future changes, both workers and employers can make better decisions and plan for a more secure future in Oklahoma.
Learn Today
Minimum Wage → The lowest hourly pay rate employers must legally provide to most workers under law.
Tipped Minimum Wage → A lower base wage for tipped employees; tips must raise earnings to standard minimum wage.
Ballot Initiative → A proposed law presented to voters for approval or rejection through a public election.
Local Minimum Wage → Higher minimum pay rates set by city governments that override state or federal rates locally.
Fair Labor Standards Act → A federal law establishing minimum wage, overtime pay, and other labor standards.
This Article in a Nutshell
Oklahoma’s minimum wage remains $7.25 per hour in 2025, equal to the federal level. Local cities offer higher wages. A 2026 vote may raise state wages by 2027. Workers and employers must understand current laws and prepare for potential changes in minimum wage policy soon.
— By VisaVerge.com
