2017 Georgia Minimum Wage

Why the federal rate applies when the state rate is lower

When a state sets its own minimum wage below the federal floor, the higher federal rate generally governs what employers must pay their workers. Georgia's minimum wage is $5.15 per hour, however, with some limited exceptions, the federal minimum wage rate applies. This means that most workers in Georgia are entitled to be paid at the federal minimum wage, which is substantially higher than the state figure. The rule exists because the Fair Labor Standards Act establishes a nationwide baseline for hourly pay, and when a state's own rate falls below that baseline, the federal rate takes precedence to ensure workers receive at least the nationally mandated amount. There are some limited exceptions in which the lower state rate may still apply, but for the vast majority of covered employees, the federal floor controls. Employers operating in Georgia should therefore look to the federal minimum wage as the standard they must meet, rather than relying on the lower $5.15 state figure, unless a specific exception has been identified.

Georgia's minimum wage is $5.15 per hour, however, with some limited exceptions, the federal minimum wage rate applies.

Minimum Wage (Georgia Department of Labor)