The Federal Minimum Wage Rate

Updated July 24, 2020 | Infoplease Staff

The Question:

Is there a web site that tracks the progression of the minimum wage in the United States throughout history?

The Answer:

Yes. We do. In 1938, Congress passed the Wages and Hours Act which set minimum wage at $.25 per hour for workers engaged in interstate commerce (with some exceptions). In 1950 the wage was increased to $.75.

For a year-by-year chart of minimum wage rate changes since 1955, check out Federal Minimum Wage Rates in our Business channel.

-The Editors

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