What are the prevailing wages set by the Federal Government?

As of 2015, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. The current minimum wage was set in 2009. States and districts of the United States have been required to comply with the federal minimum wage since 1938.

State and local governments may set a higher minimum wage. As of 2015, the minimum wage in the District of Columbia is $10.50, so minimum wage employees in the capital make significantly more than the federal minimum wage. Some U.S. territories are exempt from the federal minimum wage. Employees who are tipped are also exempt, so long as their wages and tips combined meet or exceed the minimum.