Wisconsin Minimum Wage in 2026
Wisconsin’s minimum wage is $7.25 an hour in 2026, the same as the federal minimum. The Department of Workforce Development lists that rate as in effect since July 24, 2009, and tipped workers can be paid $2.33 an hour in cash if tips bring them up to $7.25 (Department of Workforce Development).
Key facts
- A full-time worker at $7.25 earns $15,080 a year before taxes.
- Wisconsin’s wage does not rise with prices, so it changes only when lawmakers pass a new rate.
- Cities and counties are barred from setting a higher local wage (Wis. Stat. 104.001).
- Workers under 20 can be paid $5.90 for their first 90 days on a job.
These figures use the same 2,080-hour full-time year as our minimum wage explainer.
Wisconsin and Neighboring States
Wisconsin pays the same as Iowa and less than Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota. A full-time worker at Illinois‘s $15.00 earns $31,200 a year, compared with $15,080 in Wisconsin.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Illinois | $15 |
| Michigan | $13.73 |
| Minnesota | $11.41 |
| Wisconsin | $7.25 |
| Iowa | $7.25 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, State Minimum Wage Laws (updated July 1, 2026). Rates as of October 14, 2026.
The gap with Michigan grows in 2027, when its wage reaches $15.00. Our minimum wage by state page shows every state’s rate and its next scheduled raise.
Tipped Minimum Wage in Wisconsin
Wisconsin employers can pay tipped workers $2.33 an hour in cash wages. If that cash wage plus tips does not average at least $7.25 an hour over the pay period, the employer must make up the difference (Department of Workforce Development).
Wisconsin Opportunity Wage for Young Workers
Employers can pay workers under 20 an opportunity wage of $5.90 an hour for their first 90 consecutive days on the job. After 90 days, or when the worker turns 20, whichever comes first, the full $7.25 applies. A tipped worker under the opportunity wage can be paid $2.13 in cash (Department of Workforce Development).
Why Wisconsin Cities Cannot Raise the Wage
State law says no city, village, town or county may set its own minimum wage. The Legislature declared the minimum wage a matter of statewide concern in 2005, and any local wage in effect on June 16, 2005 became void (Wis. Stat. 104.001).
That means a raise in Wisconsin has to come from the Legislature and the governor. Many states block local wages the same way, and our preemption explainer shows which ones.
Wisconsin Wages by Situation
Open the situation closest to yours. This is general information, not legal advice.
Wisconsin minimum wage, by situation
I am paid less than $7.25 an hour
- Write down your hours and pay for each week.
- Keep your pay stubs and any schedule your employer gives you.
- File a wage complaint with the Department of Workforce Development's Equal Rights Division.
$7.25 is the floor for most Wisconsin workers, and the department enforces it.
My tips do not reach the minimum
- Track your cash wage and reported tips for every shift.
- Ask your employer to make up the shortfall for that pay period.
- If they will not, file a complaint with the department.
Tips plus the $2.33 cash wage must average $7.25 an hour.
I am under 20 and new on the job
- Count your first 90 consecutive days of work.
- After that, or on your 20th birthday, your pay must reach $7.25.
The opportunity wage is temporary and ends on whichever date comes first.
Where Things Stand
Wisconsin minimum wage laws
As of October 3, 2026
- Wisconsin minimum wage (Wis. Stat. ch. 104) Law, $7.25 an hour
The same as the federal minimum. The Department of Workforce Development lists the rate as in effect since July 24, 2009. (source)
- Local minimum wages (Wis. Stat. 104.001) Law, Not allowed
No city, village, town or county may set its own minimum wage, and local wages in effect on June 16, 2005 are void. (source)
Source: Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development; Wisconsin Statutes
Wisconsin Minimum Wage Questions
What is the minimum wage in Wisconsin in 2026?
$7.25 an hour, the same as the federal minimum, and unchanged since July 24, 2009. Tipped workers can be paid $2.33 in cash if tips bring them to $7.25 on average.
Can Milwaukee or Madison set a higher minimum wage?
No. Wisconsin law says no city, village, town or county may set its own minimum wage, and local wages in effect in 2005 were voided.
What is the opportunity wage in Wisconsin?
Employers can pay workers under 20 $5.90 an hour for their first 90 consecutive days on the job. After that, or once the worker turns 20, the full $7.25 applies.
What You Can Do
- Check your pay against $7.25, or the $2.33 cash wage plus tips if you are a tipped worker.
- Keep your own record of hours and pay, so you can show what you were paid if you need to file a complaint.
- Report unpaid wages to the Department of Workforce Development.
- Vote on November 3. The governor’s seat, all 99 Assembly seats and 17 Senate seats are on the ballot. See our Wisconsin governor race guide.
- Compare other states on our minimum wage by state page.