Key Takeaways
• Wisconsin’s 2025 minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, matching the federal rate.
• Tipped employees earn a $2.33 base wage plus tips to total $7.25 per hour minimum.
• Young workers under 20 earn $5.90 per hour for the first 90 days only.
Understanding The minimum wage in Wisconsin for 2025: A Detailed Guide
When moving to a new place or starting a new job, knowing the local minimum wage is very important. For immigrants, workers, and employers in Wisconsin, understanding the minimum wage rules helps everyone stay within the law and plan for the future. This guide explains the minimum wage in Wisconsin for 2025, including special rules for tipped employees, young workers, and other groups. It also covers how these rules affect people’s lives and what to expect in the future.
What Is the Minimum Wage?
The minimum wage is the lowest amount an employer can legally pay a worker for each hour of work. In the United States 🇺🇸, there is a federal minimum wage set by the government, but each state can choose to set its own minimum wage. If a state’s minimum wage is higher than the federal rate, employers must pay the higher amount. If the state’s minimum wage is lower, the federal minimum wage applies.
In Wisconsin, the minimum wage in 2025 is $7.25 per hour. This is the same as the federal minimum wage. Wisconsin has not passed any laws to raise its minimum wage above the federal level, so the federal rate is the rule for Most workers in the state.
Who Must Be Paid the Minimum Wage?
Most workers in Wisconsin must be paid at least $7.25 per hour. This includes full-time, part-time, and temporary workers. However, there are some special rules for certain groups of workers. These rules are important for both employers and employees to understand.
Special Minimum Wage Rules in Wisconsin
Some workers in Wisconsin have different minimum wage rates because of the type of work they do or their age. Here’s a breakdown of these special rules:
1. Tipped Employees
Tipped employees are workers who usually receive tips from customers, such as restaurant servers, bartenders, and hotel staff. In Wisconsin, the minimum wage for tipped employees is $2.33 per hour. However, employers must make sure that the total amount a tipped employee earns (wages plus tips) is at least $7.25 per hour.
If a tipped employee’s total earnings fall below $7.25 per hour, the employer must pay the difference. This rule helps protect tipped employees from earning less than the minimum wage.
Example:
Maria works as a waitress in Milwaukee. She earns $2.33 per hour from her employer and usually makes about $6 per hour in tips. Her total hourly earnings are $8.33, which is above the minimum wage. If one week her tips are low and her total hourly earnings drop to $6.50, her employer must pay her an extra $0.75 per hour to reach the $7.25 minimum wage.
2. Opportunity Employees (Young Workers)
Opportunity employees are workers who are under 20 years old. In Wisconsin, employers can pay these workers a lower wage of $5.90 per hour for the first 90 days of employment. After 90 days, or when the worker turns 20, the employer must pay the full minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
This rule is designed to help young people get their first jobs by making it less expensive for employers to hire them. However, it also means that young workers need to pay attention to when their pay should increase.
Example:
Jake is 18 years old and starts his first job at a grocery store. For his first 90 days, he earns $5.90 per hour. On his 91st day, his pay must go up to $7.25 per hour.
3. Agricultural and Farm Employees
Agricultural and farm workers in Wisconsin must be paid at least the full minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. There are no special lower rates for these workers.
4. Golf Caddies
Golf caddies in Wisconsin have a unique minimum wage. They must be paid at least $5.90 for every 9 holes they work and $10.50 for every 18 holes. This special rule recognizes the different nature of caddie work compared to hourly jobs.
5. Camp Counselors
Camp counselors have special weekly pay rates, depending on whether they receive meals and a place to stay (board and lodging):
- $210 per week if they get both board and lodging
- $265 per week if they get board only
- $350 per week if they do not get board or lodging
These rates are set to make sure camp counselors are paid fairly, even if they receive some of their compensation in the form of food or housing.
Local Minimum Wage Rules in Wisconsin
Wisconsin state law does not allow cities or counties to set their own minimum wage rates. However, some cities have found ways to set higher minimum wages for certain workers, especially those working for the city or on city contracts.
For example, Milwaukee has a higher minimum wage for city workers and contractors:
- $12.00 per hour for employers with more than 50 employees
- $11.00 per hour for employers with fewer than 50 employees
These local rules do not apply to all private businesses in the city, but they show that some communities are trying to raise wages above the state minimum.
Why Hasn’t Wisconsin Raised Its Minimum Wage?
Wisconsin’s minimum wage has not changed since 2009, when it went up from $6.50 to $7.25 per hour to match the federal rate. Many other states have raised their minimum wages since then, but Wisconsin has not passed any new laws to increase it.
There are several reasons for this:
- Some lawmakers believe that raising the minimum wage could make it harder for small businesses to hire workers.
- Others argue that a higher minimum wage would help workers afford basic needs and reduce poverty.
- The state government has not reached an agreement on changing the law.
As a result, Wisconsin remains one of the states that still follows the federal minimum wage.
How Does Wisconsin Compare to Other States?
Many states in the United States 🇺🇸 have set their own minimum wages above the federal rate. For example:
- Illinois: $15.00 per hour (2025)
- Minnesota: $10.85 per hour (2025)
- Michigan: $12.05 per hour (2025)
Compared to these states, Wisconsin’s minimum wage is much lower. This can affect where people choose to work or live, especially near state borders.
How Does the Minimum Wage Affect Immigrants and Newcomers?
For immigrants and newcomers to Wisconsin, the minimum wage is an important factor in planning for work and living expenses. Many immigrants start their first jobs in industries like restaurants, hotels, or agriculture, where minimum wage rules are common.
Key points for immigrants:
- Tipped employees: Many immigrants work in restaurants or hotels. It’s important to know that the base pay may be low, but tips must bring total pay up to at least $7.25 per hour.
- Young workers: Immigrant teenagers may start with the opportunity wage, but should watch for the 90-day limit.
- Agricultural jobs: These must pay at least $7.25 per hour, even for seasonal or temporary workers.
Knowing these rules helps immigrants protect their rights and avoid being underpaid.
What Are the Rights of Workers in Wisconsin?
All workers in Wisconsin, including immigrants and non-citizens, have the right to be paid at least the minimum wage for their work. Employers cannot pay less than the legal minimum, even if a worker agrees to it.
If you think you are being paid less than the minimum wage:
- Talk to your employer and ask for an explanation.
- Keep records of your hours worked and pay received.
- Contact the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) for help.
The DWD can investigate complaints and help workers get the pay they are owed. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to ask for help.
How Do Employers Stay Compliant?
Employers in Wisconsin must follow all minimum wage rules. This means:
- Paying at least $7.25 per hour to most workers
- Making sure tipped employees earn at least $7.25 per hour with tips included
- Paying the correct rates to young workers, golf caddies, and camp counselors
Employers should keep accurate records of hours worked and wages paid. Failing to follow the law can lead to fines and legal problems.
Practical Implications for Employers and Employees
For employers, following minimum wage laws is not just about avoiding fines. Paying fair wages helps attract and keep good workers. In industries like restaurants and hotels, where many employees are tipped, it’s important to track tips carefully and make up any difference if total pay falls below the minimum wage.
For employees, knowing your rights helps you make sure you are paid fairly. If you are a tipped employee, keep track of your tips and check your pay stubs to make sure your total pay meets the law.
Future Outlook: Will the Minimum Wage Change?
As of July 2025, there are no official plans to raise the minimum wage in Wisconsin. However, local efforts like those in Milwaukee may continue to push for higher wages in some areas. There is ongoing debate about whether the state should raise its minimum wage to help workers keep up with the cost of living.
Workers and employers should watch for any changes in the law, as new rules could affect pay rates and business costs.
Where to Find Official Information
For the most up-to-date information on minimum wage laws in Wisconsin, visit the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) website. This site provides details on wage rates, special rules, and how to file a complaint if you are not being paid correctly. You can find more information at the Wisconsin DWD Minimum Wage page.
You can also visit the U.S. Department of Labor for federal wage and hour laws.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, staying informed about wage laws is especially important for immigrants and newcomers, as it helps protect your rights and ensures you receive fair pay for your work.
Summary and Action Steps
- Wisconsin’s minimum wage in 2025 is $7.25 per hour.
- Tipped employees must earn at least $2.33 per hour in base pay, with tips bringing total pay up to $7.25 per hour.
- Young workers under 20 can be paid $5.90 per hour for the first 90 days.
- Special rules apply for golf caddies and camp counselors.
- Milwaukee has higher minimum wages for some city workers.
- Employers must follow these rules and keep good records.
- Employees, including immigrants, should check their pay and contact the DWD if they have concerns.
By knowing the rules and your rights, you can make better decisions about work and pay in Wisconsin. Always check official sources for the latest updates, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you think you are not being paid fairly.
Learn Today
Minimum Wage → The lowest hourly amount an employer is legally required to pay a worker.
Tipped Employees → Workers who earn most income from tips, requiring special base wage rules.
Opportunity Employees → Young workers under 20 who may receive a lower wage during initial 90 days.
Board and Lodging → Meals and housing provided to employees which affect their compensation rates.
Department of Workforce Development → Wisconsin government agency overseeing labor laws and handling wage complaints.
This Article in a Nutshell
Wisconsin’s minimum wage remains $7.25 in 2025, matching the federal rate. Special rules apply for tipped employees, young workers, golf caddies, and camp counselors. Milwaukee sets higher wages for city workers. Immigrants should know their rights and verify pay to ensure legal compliance and fair earnings.
— By VisaVerge.com
