Tipped wage · Checked October 25, 2026
Tipped minimum wage by state
The lowest cash wage an employer can pay a tipped worker before tips. 7 states require the full minimum wage before tips. Everywhere, tips plus the cash wage must reach the full minimum wage, or the employer pays the difference.
All rules Minimum wage by state 2027 increases Tipped wage Final paycheck laws Overtime
| State | Tipped cash wage | Full minimum wage |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $2.13 | $7.25 |
| Alaska | Full minimum wage (no tip credit) | $14.00 |
| Arizona | $12.15 | $15.15 |
| Arkansas | $2.63 | $11.00 |
| California | Full minimum wage (no tip credit) | $16.90 |
| Colorado | $12.14 | $15.16 |
| Connecticut | $6.38 (hotel and restaurant); $8.23 (bartenders) | $16.94 |
| Delaware | $2.23 | $15.00 |
| District of Columbia | $10.30 | $18.40 |
| Florida | $11.98 | $15.00 |
| Georgia | $2.13 | $7.25 |
| Hawaii | $14.75 (conditions apply) | $16.00 |
| Idaho | $3.35 | $7.25 |
| Illinois | $9.00 | $15.00 |
| Indiana | $2.13 | $7.25 |
| Iowa | $4.35 | $7.25 |
| Kansas | $2.13 | $7.25 |
| Kentucky | $2.13 | $7.25 |
| Louisiana | $2.13 | $7.25 |
| Maine | $7.55 | $15.10 |
| Maryland | $3.63 | $15.00 |
| Massachusetts | $6.75 | $15.00 |
| Michigan | $5.49 | $13.73 |
| Minnesota | Full minimum wage (no tip credit) | $11.41 |
| Mississippi | $2.13 | $7.25 |
| Missouri | $7.50 | $15.00 |
| Montana | Full minimum wage (no tip credit) | $10.85 |
| Nebraska | $2.13 | $15.00 |
| Nevada | Full minimum wage (no tip credit) | $12.00 |
| New Hampshire | $3.27 | $7.25 |
| New Jersey | $6.05 | $15.92 |
| New Mexico | $3.00 | $12.00 |
| New York | Varies by region and industry | $16.00 to $17.00 |
| North Carolina | $2.13 | $7.25 |
| North Dakota | $4.86 | $7.25 |
| Ohio | $5.50 | $11.00 |
| Oklahoma | $2.13 | $7.25 |
| Oregon | Full minimum wage (no tip credit) | $15.55 (standard) |
| Pennsylvania | $2.83 | $7.25 |
| Rhode Island | $3.89 | $16.00 |
| South Carolina | $2.13 | $7.25 |
| South Dakota | $5.93 | $11.85 |
| Tennessee | $2.13 | $7.25 |
| Texas | $2.13 | $7.25 |
| Utah | $2.13 | $7.25 |
| Vermont | $7.21 | $14.42 |
| Virginia | $2.13 | $12.77 |
| Washington | Full minimum wage (no tip credit) | $17.13 |
| West Virginia | $2.62 | $8.75 |
| Wisconsin | $2.33 | $7.25 |
| Wyoming | $2.13 | $7.25 |
States that require the full minimum wage before tips: Alaska, California, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (July 1, 2026), updated for changes since (Florida on September 30, 2026).
Frequently asked questions
What is the federal tipped minimum wage?
$2.13 an hour in cash, as long as tips bring the worker to at least $7.25 an hour.
Do tips count toward the minimum wage everywhere?
No. Alaska, California, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington do not allow a tip credit, so the employer pays the full minimum wage and tips are on top.
These are summaries of state law for general information, not legal advice. Cities and counties can set higher minimums, and special rules cover minors, trainees, farm work and some industries. Check with the state labor department before you make a pay decision.