Key Takeaways
• North Dakota’s 2025 minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, matching the federal rate with no planned increases.
• Tipped workers earn a $4.86 base wage plus tips, employer must cover any shortfall to $7.25 hourly.
• Exemptions exist for certain workers; overtime pay is 1.5 times regular wage for hours over 40 weekly.
If you’re living or working in North Dakota in 2025, it’s important to know exactly how the minimum wage works—whether you’re an employee, an employer, or someone considering moving to the state. This guide will walk you step by step through the rules, exceptions, and practical details of the minimum wage in North Dakota for 2025. You’ll also find tips for staying compliant, avoiding common mistakes, and understanding your rights and responsibilities.
Purpose and Introduction
The minimum wage is the lowest hourly pay that most employers can legally give their workers. In North Dakota, as of July 6, 2025, the minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. This matches the federal minimum wage and has not changed for many years. Knowing the details of the minimum wage in North Dakota helps workers make sure they’re paid fairly and helps employers avoid costly mistakes.
This guide will show you:
- Who the minimum wage applies to in North Dakota
- How to calculate pay for tipped workers and special cases
- What exceptions and exemptions exist
- How to handle overtime pay
- Steps for both workers and employers to stay compliant
- Common pitfalls and troubleshooting tips
- A checklist summary for quick reference
Let’s get started.
Step 1: Understand the Minimum Wage Basics in North Dakota (2025)
Time estimate: 5 minutes
1.1 Standard Minimum Wage
- $7.25 per hour is the minimum wage for most workers in North Dakota in 2025.
- This rate has not changed since 2010 and matches the federal minimum wage.
- There are no scheduled increases for 2025 or the near future.
1.2 Tipped Minimum Wage
- $4.86 per hour is the minimum wage for tipped employees (like servers and bartenders).
- Employers can pay this lower rate only if the worker’s tips bring their total hourly pay up to at least $7.25.
- If tips plus the base wage do not reach $7.25 per hour, the employer must pay the difference.
1.3 Special Cases: Reduced Wage
- Some workers can be paid 85% of the minimum wage (which is $6.16 per hour in 2025).
- This applies to:
- Students in vocational programs
- Workers with certain physical or mental disabilities
- Employers must get a special license to pay this lower rate.
1.4 Overtime Pay
- Overtime pay is 1.5 times the regular wage for hours worked over 40 in a week.
- For a minimum wage worker, overtime pay is $10.88 per hour ($7.25 x 1.5).
Key Point:
North Dakota’s minimum wage is $7.25 per hour in 2025, with special rules for tipped and certain other workers.
Step 2: Check If You’re Covered by Minimum Wage Laws
Time estimate: 10 minutes
Not every worker in North Dakota is covered by minimum wage laws. Some jobs and situations are exempt.
2.1 Who Is Covered?
- Most hourly workers in North Dakota
- Tipped employees (with special rules)
- Part-time and full-time workers
2.2 Who Is Not Covered? (Exemptions)
Some workers are exempt from minimum wage laws. This means employers do not have to pay them the minimum wage. Common exemptions include:
- Employees of nonprofit educational youth camps
- Hunting and fishing guides
- Golf caddies
- Film actors
- Casual babysitters
- Outside salespeople paid on commission
- Companionship and family home care providers
- Certain student trainees and volunteers
Action:
If you’re not sure whether your job is covered, check with the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights or ask your employer for clarification.
Step 3: Calculate Your Pay (or Your Employees’ Pay)
Time estimate: 15 minutes
3.1 For Standard Workers
- Multiply the number of hours worked by $7.25.
- Example: 40 hours x $7.25 = $290.00 per week (before taxes).
3.2 For Tipped Workers
- Multiply hours worked by $4.86.
- Add total tips received.
- If the total is less than $7.25 per hour, the employer must pay the difference.
Example:
– 30 hours x $4.86 = $145.80 (base wage)
– Tips for the week: $60.00
– Total: $145.80 + $60.00 = $205.80
– Minimum required: 30 hours x $7.25 = $217.50
– Employer must pay the $11.70 difference ($217.50 – $205.80).
3.3 For Special Cases (85% Wage)
- Multiply hours worked by $6.16.
- Only allowed if the worker qualifies and the employer has a special license.
3.4 For Overtime
- For hours over 40 in a week, pay 1.5 times the regular rate.
- Example: 45 hours worked
- 40 hours x $7.25 = $290.00
- 5 overtime hours x $10.88 = $54.40
- Total pay: $344.40
Tip:
Keep a record of all hours worked and all tips received. This helps if there’s ever a question about your pay.
Step 4: Know the Historical and Legal Context
Time estimate: 10 minutes
4.1 No Recent Increases
- North Dakota’s minimum wage has been $7.25 since 2010.
- The federal minimum wage has not changed since 2009.
4.2 Failed Attempts to Raise the Wage
- In 2023, lawmakers tried to raise the minimum wage to $9.00, with small increases each year.
- The bill did not pass, so the wage stayed at $7.25 for 2025.
4.3 No Scheduled Increases
- There are no active or planned increases for the minimum wage in North Dakota for 2025 or the near future.
Key Point:
If you hear about possible changes, check official sources for updates. Employers should plan for possible future changes, even if none are scheduled now.
Step 5: Follow the Rules for Overtime and Special Pay
Time estimate: 10 minutes
5.1 Overtime Rules
- Overtime pay is required for most workers who work over 40 hours in a week.
- The overtime rate is 1.5 times the regular hourly wage.
5.2 Exemptions from Overtime
Some jobs are exempt from overtime rules, such as:
- Certain farm workers
- Some salaried managers
- Outside salespeople
Action:
Check your job classification to see if you qualify for overtime pay.
Step 6: Avoid Common Pitfalls
Time estimate: 10 minutes
6.1 For Workers
- Not tracking hours: Always keep your own record of hours worked and tips received.
- Assuming all jobs are covered: Some jobs are exempt from minimum wage and overtime rules.
- Not checking pay stubs: Make sure your pay matches the hours you worked and the tips you earned.
6.2 For Employers
- Misclassifying workers: Don’t treat employees as exempt if they’re not.
- Failing to pay overtime: Make sure to pay the correct overtime rate for eligible workers.
- Not making up tip shortfalls: If tips plus base wage don’t reach $7.25 per hour, you must pay the difference.
- Ignoring special licensing: You need a special license to pay the 85% wage to eligible workers.
Tip:
Regularly review your payroll practices and consult with the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights for guidance.
Step 7: Troubleshooting and What to Do If There’s a Problem
Time estimate: 15 minutes
7.1 For Workers
- If you think you’re being underpaid:
- Talk to your employer first. Sometimes mistakes happen.
- If the issue isn’t fixed, contact the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights.
- You can also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division.
- If you’re a tipped worker and your tips plus base wage don’t add up to $7.25 per hour:
- Tell your employer. They are required by law to pay the difference.
7.2 For Employers
- If you discover a pay mistake:
- Fix it as soon as possible.
- Pay any back wages owed.
- Review your payroll system to prevent future errors.
Tip:
Keep all payroll records for at least three years. This helps if there’s ever a question about pay or hours worked.
Step 8: Stay Informed and Plan for the Future
Time estimate: 10 minutes
8.1 Watch for Legislative Changes
- While there are no scheduled increases for 2025, lawmakers may propose new bills in the future.
- There is ongoing discussion about raising the minimum wage in North Dakota, possibly up to $15.00 per hour over time.
8.2 Prepare for Possible Changes
- Employers: Review your budgets and staffing plans so you can adjust quickly if the minimum wage goes up.
- Workers: Stay informed about your rights and any changes to wage laws.
Action:
Check the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights regularly for updates.
Step 9: Use Official Resources
Time estimate: 5 minutes
- The North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights is the best place for up-to-date information on minimum wage, overtime, and exemptions.
- The U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division provides federal wage law information.
- Employers must post the current minimum wage poster in a visible place at work.
Tip:
If you need help, both agencies offer guidance for workers and employers.
Step 10: Checklist Summary
Time estimate: 5 minutes
Use this checklist to make sure you’re following the rules for minimum wage in North Dakota in 2025:
For Workers:
– [ ] Are you being paid at least $7.25 per hour (or $4.86 plus tips if you’re a tipped worker)?
– [ ] Are you tracking your hours and tips?
– [ ] Are you being paid overtime (1.5x) for hours over 40 per week, if eligible?
– [ ] Do you know if your job is exempt from minimum wage or overtime rules?
– [ ] Do you check your pay stubs for mistakes?
For Employers:
– [ ] Are you paying at least $7.25 per hour to covered workers?
– [ ] Are you making up the difference if tipped workers don’t reach $7.25 per hour?
– [ ] Are you paying overtime correctly?
– [ ] Do you have a special license for any workers paid 85% of minimum wage?
– [ ] Are you keeping payroll records for at least three years?
– [ ] Are you posting the current minimum wage notice at your workplace?
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Will the minimum wage in North Dakota increase in 2025?
A: No, there are no scheduled increases for 2025. The minimum wage remains at $7.25 per hour.
Q: What if I’m a student or have a disability?
A: Some students in vocational programs and workers with certain disabilities can be paid 85% of the minimum wage ($6.16 per hour), but only if the employer has a special license.
Q: What should I do if my employer isn’t following the law?
A: First, talk to your employer. If the problem isn’t fixed, contact the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights or the U.S. Department of Labor.
Q: Where can I find official information?
A: Visit the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights for the latest updates.
Final Takeaways
- The minimum wage in North Dakota for 2025 is $7.25 per hour, with no planned increases.
- Tipped workers must earn at least $7.25 per hour when tips are included; otherwise, employers must pay the difference.
- Some workers are exempt from minimum wage and overtime laws.
- Both workers and employers should keep careful records and check official sources for updates.
- Staying informed and following the rules helps everyone avoid problems and ensures fair pay.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the minimum wage in North Dakota has not changed for many years, and while there are ongoing discussions about raising it, no new laws have passed yet. For the most accurate and current information, always check with the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights.
By following these steps and using the checklist, you can make sure you’re following the law and protecting your rights—whether you’re earning or paying the minimum wage in North Dakota in 2025.
Learn Today
Minimum Wage → The lowest hourly pay employers may legally pay most workers, set at $7.25 in North Dakota for 2025.
Tipped Workers → Employees who receive tips as part of their earnings, paid a lower base wage plus tips to meet minimum wage.
Overtime Pay → Additional pay at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate for work beyond 40 hours in a single week.
Exempt Employees → Workers not covered by minimum wage or overtime laws due to job type or status under state regulations.
Special License → A permit employers must have to pay certain workers 85% of the minimum wage legally.
This Article in a Nutshell
North Dakota’s minimum wage remains $7.25 in 2025, with specific rules for tipped employees and exemptions. Employers and workers must follow clear pay, overtime, and record-keeping guidelines to ensure compliance and fair compensation under current state and federal laws.
— By VisaVerge.com
