The first federal minimum wage began on October 28, 1938, at 25¢ per hour.  This graph shows the federal 
minimum wage increases from 1938 to 2009.  Will the federal minimum wage increase in 2022?   When a 
state's minimum wage differs from federal minimum wage, employers normally must pay workers 
the higher wage. In 2021, minimum wage in 31 states is above federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour .
QUICK CHECK:
1. What was the amount of the first federal minimum wage and in which year was it established?
2.   What happens if a state's minimum wage differs from the federal minimum wage?
3.  a) By what amount of money was the minimum wage raised:  a) From 1938 to 1939?  b) From 1963 to 
1967?  c) From 1979 to 1980?  d) From 1997 to 2007?  e) From 2008 to 2009?
4.  a) Has the federal minimum wage changed since 2009?  b) What is the federal minimum wage today?
5.  Between which two years is the longest time gap between minimum wage increases?
6.  Do you think the federal minimum wage needs to be increased today?  b) Give a reason for your answer .
7.  Some argue that employers will not hire young workers if minimum wage is raised because young 
workers take more time to train and make more on-the-job mistakes than older workers.  a) Do you agree 
or disagree with this viewpoint?  b) In 25 words or more, give reasons for your viewpoint.  	


	









	















	





 

 

 	
	
 






 

	

	
1938 $0.25
1939 $0.30
1945 $0.40
1950 $0.75
1956 $1.00
1961 $1.15 1963 $1.25
1967 $1.40
1968 $1.60
1974 $2.00
1975 $2.10
1976 $2.30 1978 $2.65
1979 $2.90
1980 $3.10
1981 $3.35
1990 $3.80
1991 $4.25	
Federal Minimum Wage	
1996 $4.75
1997 $5.15
2007 $5.85
2008 $6.55
2009 $7.25
Today?
U.S. Work World
CAREER mini-lesson
College & Career Publishing. Permission to use with usworkworld.com subscription.