Minimum Wage — Payroll Definition

What is Minimum Wage?

The federal minimum wage remains $7.25 per hour for covered nonexempt employees. Many states and localities require a higher rate, and special rules or exemptions can apply by location, occupation, employer size, age, training status, or tips. When different covered rates apply, the worker is generally entitled to the higher protection. Verify the effective date and all notes in the current labor-agency guidance.

How to apply this payroll definition

Locate the label beside its current-period amount, taxable-wage basis, and year-to-date total. Compare it with prior genuine statements, benefits materials, the employer's payroll documentation, and the primary source linked on this page. The same abbreviation can carry a different employer-specific meaning.

What the label does not prove

A familiar term or plausible amount does not authenticate a pay statement or confirm identity, employment, wages, deductions, tax compliance, or eligibility. Ask the verified payroll contact about an unknown code. Use current agency instructions or a qualified adviser when a rate, filing, benefit, garnishment, or legal decision depends on the answer.

Browse all payroll definitions or use the pay-statement codes guide.