2021 Iowa Minimum Wage
The 2021 Iowa Minimum Wage is $7.25.
Effective 2021-01-01Source: Wage Claims FAQ (Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing)Verified 2026-09-01
Compared with 2020
Every figure on this page is unchanged from 2020.
| Item | 2020 | 2021 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly | $7.25 | $7.25 | +$0 (+0.0%) |
Who it applies to
Employers and employees in Iowa subject to the Iowa Minimum Wage Law
What changed this year, and why
The minimum wage in Iowa for 2021 is $7.25 per hour.
Common questions
- What is the minimum wage in Iowa for 2021?
- The minimum wage in Iowa is $7.25 per hour for 2021.
Who to ask about this rate, and where to take a wage complaint
Iowa workers who believe they are owed unpaid wages can file a wage claim with the Iowa Division of Labor (DIAL) if the amount does not exceed $6,500.00. Wage claim forms are available in English and Spanish and can be printed online or requested by mail by calling 515-725-5619. Workers also have the right to pursue their claim independently in court. For issues involving federal minimum wage or overtime requirements, employees should contact the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division at 515-284-4625. Iowa's state minimum wage is $7.25 per hour.
If you believe you are owed wages not exceeding $6,500.00, you can file a wage claim with the DIAL. Print a Wage Claim in English or Spanish or request a form be mailed to you by calling 515-725-5619. You also have the right to pursue your claim on your own behalf in court. If your claim has to do with federal minimum wage or overtime you may contact the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage & Hour Division at 515-284-4625.
Wage Claims FAQ (Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing)
When tips, meals or lodging count toward the minimum wage
In Iowa, tips can count toward meeting the minimum wage requirement. Employees who receive $30 or more per month in tips may be paid as little as $4.35 per hour by their employer, provided that their combined wages and tips average at least $7.25 per hour in each work week. If the combined amount falls short, the employer must make up the difference. The document does not specifically address whether the value of meals or lodging can be credited toward the minimum wage in Iowa. Workers with questions about tip credits or other wage deductions should contact the Iowa Division of Labor.
If you make $30 per month or more in tips, the employer may pay as little as $4.35 per hour. If in any work week the wage the employer pays you and the tips you receive do not average at least $7.25 per hour, the employer is required to pay the difference.
Wage Claims FAQ (Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing)
What an employer may deduct from your pay
In Iowa, employers may deduct certain items from employee wages. Allowed deductions include taxes, garnishments, and deductions for any lawful purpose that benefits the employee if the employee has given written authorization—such as insurance, 401K, pensions, bonds, and savings programs. However, employers cannot deduct for cash shortages in a common money till, losses due to breakage or damage, acceptance of bad checks, customer credit defaults (except in limited cases), lost or stolen property (unless certain conditions are met), or personal protective equipment (in most cases). For specific exceptions, see Iowa Code Chapter 91A.5. The minimum wage in Iowa is $7.25 per hour.
What can be deducted from my wages? Items on the following list can be deducted from wages. Taxes Garnishments Deductions for any lawful purpose accruing to the benefit of the employee if the employee has given written authorization for the deduction (for example, insurance, 401K, pensions, bonds and savings programs). Items on the following list cannot be deducted: Cash shortages in common money till. Losses due to breakage, damage, acceptance of bad checks, and default of customer credit except in certain limited cases. Lost or stolen property unless certain conditions are met. Personal protective equipment in most cases.
Wage Claims FAQ (Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing)
How each figure was verified
Each number below was read from a stored copy of the document named beside it, and checked to occur word for word in the quoted sentence. The digest is of that stored text.
Wage Claims FAQ (Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing)
- Hourly
What is the current minimum wage? $7.25 per hour.
Other years
Every Iowa Minimum Wage year · Minimum Wage in every state