What is the federal minimum wage?

As of October 2014, the United States Department of Labor reports that the federal minimum wage is set at $7.25 per hour. The agency states that the requirement for this hourly rate went into effect for all non-exempt American employees on July 24, 2009.

According to the United States Department of Labor, some states have the right to set a minimum wage that is lower than the federal requirement. As of October 2014, the agency reports that Georgia, Arkansas and Wyoming currently have minimum wage rates that are lower than the amount set by the federal government. A map published by the agency also shows that five states, including Alabama and South Carolina, have no minimum hourly wage requirements.