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What is the minimum wage in Wisconsin?

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

Wisconsin minimum wage is governed by Wis. Stat. Chapter 104 and DWD Chapter 272.

1. Current Rate

  • $7.25/hour (DWD § 272.03) — equal to federal minimum, unchanged since 2009. Wisconsin's statute (§ 104.035) authorizes the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to set a "living wage" rate; DWD has set it at $7.25.

    • 2. Tipped Workers

    Tipped employees may be paid a cash wage of $2.33/hour (DWD § 272.03(2)), provided tips bring them to $7.25. The Wisconsin tipped minimum is slightly above the federal $2.13.

    3. Opportunity Wage

    Wisconsin allows an "opportunity wage" of $5.90/hour for workers under 20 during their first 90 calendar days of employment (DWD § 272.03(1)(a)2). This is higher than federal $4.25 youth wage.

    4. Minor Wages

    Workers under 18 in agriculture: $7.25 (no separate rate). Domestic service minors: $5.90.

    5. Local Preemption

    Wis. Stat. § 104.001 (added 2017 Act 327) prohibits local governments from setting minimum wages above state. Madison, Milwaukee, etc. cannot enact higher local minimums.

    6. Overtime

    Wisconsin follows federal FLSA: 1.5x after 40 hours/week (DWD § 274.03). No daily overtime.

    7. Day of Rest Law

    Wis. Stat. § 103.85 — factory or mercantile establishment workers entitled to one period of 24 consecutive hours of rest in every 7 consecutive days. Exceptions for emergencies, security, certain industries.

    8. Exemptions (DWD § 272.07)

  • Executive, administrative, professional employees.
  • Outside salespersons.
  • Cab drivers.
  • Casual babysitters and live-in companions.
  • Agricultural workers (limited).
  • Volunteers in nonprofit, religious, educational organizations.
  • Family members of the employer.

    • 9. Wage Claims

    Wisconsin Wage Payment Law (Wis. Stat. § 109.03) requires payment at least monthly, with 31-day maximum. Final wages due by regular payday. DWD may pursue wage claims on behalf of workers, or workers may sue. Increased wages of 50% (or 100% for willful) under Wis. Stat. § 109.11 are available.

    10. Enforcement

    DWD Equal Rights Division and Labor Standards Bureau. Federal FLSA also available through U.S. DOL.

    This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • Your factory employer denies you a 24-hour weekly rest period
    • You weren't paid 50%-100% increased wages for willful violation
    • Your tipped cash wage + tips don't reach $7.25
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • Wis. Stat. § 104.035
    • Wis. Stat. § 104.001
    • Wis. Stat. § 109.03
    • Wis. Stat. § 109.11
    • Wis. Stat. § 103.85
    • DWD § 272.03

    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.