2016 Pennsylvania Minimum Wage
The 2016 Pennsylvania Minimum Wage is $7.25.
Effective 2016-01-01Source: Wage FAQs (Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry)Verified 2026-09-01
Compared with 2015
Every figure on this page is unchanged from 2015.
| Item | 2015 | 2016 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly | $7.25 | $7.25 | +$0 (+0.0%) |
Who it applies to
Employees covered by Pennsylvania's Minimum Wage Act
What changed this year, and why
Pennsylvania's minimum wage is $7.25 per hour.
Common questions
- What is the minimum wage in Pennsylvania?
- The minimum wage in Pennsylvania is $7.25 per hour.
When a city or county sets a higher minimum wage
The Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act does not address whether cities or counties can set higher minimum wage rates. The state law establishes a minimum wage of $7.25 per hour and does not prohibit local governments from setting higher rates, but it also does not authorize them. Whether municipalities in Pennsylvania can establish their own minimum wage rates above the state level is a question of local authority and state preemption law. Workers should check with their local government to see if a higher minimum wage applies in their city or county. If a local rate is higher than the state rate, the higher rate would apply to work performed within that jurisdiction. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry does not enforce local ordinances, so workers with questions about local minimum wage rates should contact their municipal government directly.
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry does not enforce city ordinances. You must contact the City of Philadelphia.
Wage FAQs (Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry)
Who to ask about this rate, and where to take a wage complaint
Employees who believe they have not been paid the minimum wage or the correct overtime premium can file a wage claim with the Department of Labor & Industry. However, timing matters significantly. You should try to file a claim within two years from the date the work was actually performed. Filing as soon as possible is strongly recommended because employers are only required to keep payroll records for three years. Once those records are gone, it becomes much harder for the Department to investigate and collect unpaid wages on your behalf. The Department can refuse to accept a claim for various reasons, including lack of evidence or if the claim is not valid under law, so prompt action and clear documentation are essential to a successful outcome. If you have questions about your rights or need help filing a claim, contact the Department of Labor & Industry for assistance.
How much Time Do I Have to File A Claim after Termination? If you were not paid at least the minimum wage or you were not paid correctly for your overtime hours, you should try to file a wage claim within two years from the date the work was actually performed.
Wage FAQs (Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry)
State minimum wage laws that give more than the federal rate
Federal law may differ from Pennsylvania state law on wage and hour issues. When both laws apply, the more restrictive provision will apply, meaning the rule that provides greater protection to the employee. For minimum wage purposes, this means workers in Pennsylvania are entitled to whichever rate is higher, state or federal. Currently, both the Pennsylvania and federal minimum wage are $7.25 per hour. Many wage and hour issues may also be specifically addressed by collective bargaining agreements and private contracts, which can establish terms that differ from the statutory minimums. Workers should contact the United States Department of Labor for further clarification of federal law when state and federal requirements conflict or when they are unsure which standard applies to their situation.
FEDERAL LAW MAY DIFFER FROM STATE LAW. THE MORE RESTRICTIVE OF THE TWO WILL APPLY. CONTACT THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR FOR FURTHER CLARIFICATION OF FEDERAL LAW. MANY ISSUES MAY ALSO BE SPECIFICALLY ADDRESSED BY COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS AND PRIVATE CONTRACTS. Return to top
Wage FAQs (Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry)
What an employer may deduct from your pay
Pennsylvania employers can deduct certain amounts from employee wages, but these deductions cannot reduce pay below the minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. If you have borrowed money from a third party, you can give the employer written permission to deduct payments from your earnings. If your employer has loaned you funds, it can deduct the amount from your earnings as long as you have given written authorization. Normal tax deductions must be made. You must give written authorization to your employer to make non-tax related deductions. The employer must provide notice of any pay rate changes before they take effect, and the rate of pay cannot fall below the minimum wage.
What Can Be Deducted From My Paycheck? If you have borrowed money from a third party, you can give the employer written permission to deduct payments from your earnings. If your employer has loaned you funds, it can deduct the amount from your earnings as long as you have given written authorization.
Wage FAQs (Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry)
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 FAQs (Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry)
- Hourly
What is the Minimum Wage in Pennsylvania? The minimum wage in Pennsylvania is $7.25 per hour.
Other years
Every Pennsylvania Minimum Wage year · Minimum Wage in every state