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What is the minimum wage in Ohio?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-04-30

Ohio minimum wage is set by Article II, § 34a of the Ohio Constitution (Amendment 2, voter-approved 2006) and Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4111.

1. Current Rate (2025)

  • $10.70/hour for non-tipped employees at businesses with annual gross receipts > $394,000.
  • $5.35/hour cash wage for tipped employees at the same businesses (employer must ensure tips bring employee to $10.70).
  • Smaller businesses and 14-15-year-old workers: $7.25/hour (federal rate).

    • 2. Annual CPI Indexing

    The Ohio Constitution requires the Director of Commerce to adjust the state minimum wage on Jan. 1 each year by the CPI-W increase over the prior 12 months ending August 31 (Art. II, § 34a). The gross-receipts threshold is also indexed.

    3. Tipped Workers

    The cash wage of $5.35 is fixed at half the standard minimum. If cash + tips < $10.70, employer makes up the difference. Tip pooling permitted among employees who customarily receive tips.

    4. Overtime

    Ohio follows the federal FLSA: 1.5x after 40 hours/week (R.C. § 4111.03). Ohio adopts FLSA exemptions by reference. No daily overtime.

    5. State Preemption

    R.C. § 4111.07 (added 2016) prohibits municipalities from enacting minimum wages higher than the state rate. Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, and other Ohio cities cannot set their own minimums for private employers. (Cleveland passed a $15 minimum in 2016 that was preempted.)

    6. Exemptions (R.C. § 4111.03(D))

  • Executive, administrative, professional employees (salary basis + duties).
  • Outside salespersons.
  • Family members of the employer.
  • Babysitters and live-in companions.
  • Some agricultural workers on small farms.

    • 7. Failed 2024 Ballot Initiative

    A 2024 ballot initiative to phase the Ohio minimum wage to $15 by 2026 failed to qualify for the ballot. Advocates have signaled plans for 2025-26 efforts.

    8. Enforcement

    Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Industrial Compliance handles enforcement. Workers may bring private civil action for 2x unpaid wages + costs + attorney's fees under Ohio Const. Art. II, § 34a (the constitutional remedy is robust). Statute of limitations: 3 years.

    This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • Your large-business employer pays you $7.25 instead of the state minimum
    • Your tips don't make up the $5.35 to $10.70 gap
    • You want to recover 2x liquidated damages under Ohio's constitutional wage remedy
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • Ohio Const. Art. II, § 34a
    • R.C. § 4111.02
    • R.C. § 4111.03
    • R.C. § 4111.07
    • R.C. § 4111.14

    This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.