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What is the minimum wage in Pennsylvania?

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

Pennsylvania minimum wage is governed by the Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act of 1968, 43 P.S. §§ 333.101-333.115.

1. Current Rate

  • $7.25/hour — equal to the federal minimum since July 24, 2009. Pennsylvania has not raised its rate since adopting the federal floor.

    • 2. Tipped Employee Rules (2022 Reform)

    Pennsylvania significantly reformed tipped-employee rules effective August 5, 2022 (34 Pa. Code Ch. 231):

  • Tipped employee threshold raised from $30/month to $135/month in tips.
  • Cash wage: $2.83/hour (unchanged). Employer must make up shortfall to reach $7.25.
  • 80/20 rule codified: tipped employees must spend ≥80% of time on tip-producing duties; if non-tipped duties exceed 20% (or 30 continuous minutes), employer must pay full minimum for that time.
  • Service charges are not tips and belong to employer (must be disclosed).
  • Tip pooling restricted; managers and supervisors cannot share.

    • 3. Local Preemption

    Pennsylvania case law (PA Restaurant & Lodging Ass'n v. City of Pittsburgh, 116 A.3d 1141 (Pa. Commw. 2015)) and the state's general preemption of municipal regulation of private employers prevent cities from enacting their own minimum wage. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh cannot set local minimums for private employers (though they have for city contractors and employees).

    4. Overtime

    Pennsylvania follows the 40-hour standard: 1.5x after 40 hours/week (43 P.S. § 333.104(c)).

    5. Salary Threshold for Exemptions

    Pennsylvania's PMWA salary threshold for executive/administrative/professional exemptions had been increasing higher than federal but was rolled back to track the federal $684/week threshold after 34 Pa. Code Ch. 231 changes were challenged. Currently, PA follows the federal $684/week minimum for white-collar exemptions.

    6. Exemptions

  • Executive, administrative, professional employees meeting both salary basis and duties tests.
  • Outside salespersons.
  • Farm laborers (with limited exceptions).
  • Domestic service in private home.
  • Newspaper delivery.

    • 7. Enforcement

    Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, Bureau of Labor Law Compliance. Workers may also bring private actions for unpaid wages + liquidated damages of 25% of unpaid wages, plus attorney's fees (43 P.S. § 333.113).

    8. Pending Legislation

    Multiple bills have been introduced (HB 345, SB 12 in recent sessions) to raise the minimum to $15/hour with phased increases. None has been enacted as of 2025.

    This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • Your tipped duties exceed 20% but you're paid the tip credit rate
    • Your employer keeps service charges or includes managers in the tip pool
    • You're owed unpaid wages + 25% liquidated damages under § 333.113
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • 43 P.S. § 333.104
    • 43 P.S. § 333.113
    • 34 Pa. Code Ch. 231
    • 29 U.S.C. § 206

    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.