Here’s What the US Minimum Wage Was the Year You Were Born
See how the minimum wage has changed — or not — over the years.View Gallery
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Although minimum wage is not nearly as low as it used to be, America still has a long way to go when it comes to compensating its workers. The federal minimum wage is currently at $7.25, a number that has stayed the same since 2009.
But even with no recent changes from the federal government, things appear to be moving in the right direction. In July 2019, the U.S. House passed a bill that would raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2025, which could increase the incomes of 17 million to 27 million minimum wage workers, according to Bloomberg. And minimum wage is currently a hot topic as Democrats try to raise it.
In the meantime, several states and localities have taken it upon themselves to raise their own minimum wages. Recently, Illinois, Nevada and Oregon all raised their minimum wages, USA Today reported. Illinois’ minimum wage rose from $9.25 to $10; Nevada’s minimum wage rose from $7.25 to $8 for workers with health insurance, and from $8.25 to $9 for those without health coverage; and Oregon’s minimum wage rose from $11.25 to $12. In addition, 18 municipalities and three counties announced minimum wage increases.
The rise in the minimum wage seems hopeful; however, due to inflation and the rising cost of living, that amount might not be enough in the future. Take a look at how minimum wage has dramatically morphed throughout the years.
Last updated: March 2, 2021
1938
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.25
- In 2020 dollars: $4.54
1939
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.30
- In 2020 dollars: $5.53
Read More: The Average Social Security Check the Year You Were Born
1940
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.30
- In 2020 dollars: $5.57
1941
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.30
- In 2020 dollars: $5.49
1942
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.30
- In 2020 dollars: $4.93
1943
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.30
- In 2020 dollars: $4.58
1944
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.30
- In 2020 dollars: $4.45
Find Out: 100 Ways To Make Money Without a 9-to-5
1945
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.40
- In 2020 dollars: $5.80
1946
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.40
- In 2020 dollars: $5.67
1947
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.40
- In 2020 dollars: $4.80
1948
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.40
- In 2020 dollars: $4.35
1949
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.40
- In 2020 dollars: $4.30
Find Out: What To Sell When You’re Ready To Retire
1950
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.75
- In 2020 dollars: $8.23
1951
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.75
- In 2020 dollars: $7.62
Check Out: 25 Ways To Maximize Your Retirement Savings
1952
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.75
- In 2020 dollars: $7.30
Find Out: 15 Retirement Mistakes and Why They’ll Shrink Your Nest Egg
1953
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.75
- In 2020 dollars: $7.27
1954
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.75
- In 2020 dollars: $7.19
Learn More: Here’s Exactly How Much Savings You Need To Retire In Your State
1955
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.75
- In 2020 dollars: $7.25
1956
- U.S. minimum wage: $1
- In 2020 dollars: $9.63
1957
- U.S. minimum wage: $1
- In 2020 dollars: $9.35
1960
- U.S. minimum wage: $1
- In 2020 dollars: $8.80
1961
- U.S. minimum wage: $1.15
- In 2020 dollars: $9.96
Make the Most of Your Money: Tips To Live Comfortably on a Budget
1962
- U.S. minimum wage: $1.15
- In 2020 dollars: $9.89
1963
- U.S. minimum wage: $1.25
- In 2020 dollars: $10.61
1965
- U.S. minimum wage: $1.25
- In 2020 dollars: $10.34
1966
- U.S. minimum wage: $1.25
- In 2020 dollars: $10.14
1967
- U.S. minimum wage: $1.40
- In 2020 dollars: $10.98
1968
- U.S. minimum wage: $1.60
- In 2020 dollars: $12.10
1969
- U.S. minimum wage: $1.60
- In 2020 dollars: $11.59
See: What Income Level Is Considered Middle Class in Your State?
1970
- U.S. minimum wage: $1.60
- In 2020 dollars: $10.92
1971
- U.S. minimum wage: $1.60
- In 2020 dollars: $10.37
1972
- U.S. minimum wage: $1.60
- In 2020 dollars: $10.04
1973
- U.S. minimum wage: $1.60
- In 2020 dollars: $9.69
1974
- U.S. minimum wage: $2
- In 2020 dollars: $11.07
1975
- U.S. minimum wage: $2.10
- In 2020 dollars: $10.40
Good To Know: 16 Splurges That Save You Money in the Long Run
1976
- U.S. minimum wage: $2.30
- In 2020 dollars: $10.67
1977
- U.S. minimum wage: $2.30
- In 2020 dollars: $10.14
1978
- U.S. minimum wage: $2.65
- In 2020 dollars: $10.94
Get Your Happiness: This Is the Salary Needed To Be Happy in Every State
1979
- U.S. minimum wage: $2.90
- In 2020 dollars: $10.95
1980
- U.S. minimum wage: $3.10
- In 2020 dollars: $10.28
1981
- U.S. minimum wage: $3.35
- In 2020 dollars: $9.93
1982
- U.S. minimum wage: $3.35
- In 2020 dollars: $9.16
1983
- U.S. minimum wage: $3.35
- In 2020 dollars: $8.84
1984
- U.S. minimum wage: $3.35
- In 2020 dollars: $8.48
1985
- U.S. minimum wage: $3.35
- In 2020 dollars: $8.19
1986
- U.S. minimum wage: $3.35
- In 2020 dollars: $7.89
1987
- U.S. minimum wage: $3.35
- In 2020 dollars: $7.77
Worth It: 13 Low-Paying Jobs That Actually Pay Off in Retirement
1988
- U.S. minimum wage: $3.35
- In 2020 dollars: $7.47
1989
- U.S. minimum wage: $3.35
- In 2020 dollars: $7.14
1990
- U.S. minimum wage: $3.80
- In 2020 dollars: $7.69
1991
- U.S. minimum wage: $4.25
- In 2020 dollars: $8.15
1992
- U.S. minimum wage: $4.25
- In 2020 dollars: $7.94
1993
- U.S. minimum wage: $4.25
- In 2020 dollars: $7.69
1994
- U.S. minimum wage: $4.25
- In 2020 dollars: $7.50
1995
- U.S. minimum wage: $4.25
- In 2020 dollars: $7.29
1996
- U.S. minimum wage: $4.75
- In 2020 dollars: $7.94
Rich vs. Wealthy: What’s the Difference Between the Two?
1997
- U.S. minimum wage: $5.15
- In 2020 dollars: $8.35
1998
- U.S. minimum wage: $5.15
- In 2020 dollars: $8.22
1999
- U.S. minimum wage: $5.15
- In 2020 dollars: $8.09
Read More: How Do You Stack Up To the Average Income in Your State?
2000
- U.S. minimum wage: $5.15
- In 2020 dollars: $7.87
2001
- U.S. minimum wage: $5.15
- In 2020 dollars: $7.59
2002
- U.S. minimum wage: $5.15
- In 2020 dollars: $7.50
2003
- U.S. minimum wage: $5.15
- In 2020 dollars: $7.31
2004
- U.S. minimum wage: $5.15
- In 2020 dollars: $7.17
2005
- U.S. minimum wage: $5.15
- In 2020 dollars: $6.97
2006
- U.S. minimum wage: $5.15
- In 2020 dollars: $6.70
2007
- U.S. minimum wage: $5.85
- In 2020 dollars: $7.46
2008
- U.S. minimum wage: $6.55
- In 2020 dollars: $8.01
2009
- U.S. minimum wage: $7.25
- In 2020 dollars: $8.86
2010
- U.S. minimum wage: $7.25
- In 2020 dollars: $8.63
Take a Look: The GOP Wants a $10 Minimum Wage — How Does It Compare to $15 in the Real World?
2011
- U.S. minimum wage: $7.25
- In 2020 dollars: $8.49
2012
- U.S. minimum wage: $7.25
- In 2020 dollars: $8.25
2013
- U.S. minimum wage: $7.25
- In 2020 dollars: $8.12
2014
- U.S. minimum wage: $7.25
- In 2020 dollars: $8
2015
- U.S. minimum wage: $7.25
- In 2020 dollars: $8
2016
- U.S. minimum wage: $7.25
- In 2020 dollars: $7.89
2017
- U.S. minimum wage: $7.25
- In 2020 dollars: $7.70
2018
- U.S. minimum wage: $7.25
- In 2020 dollars: $7.55
2019
- U.S. minimum wage: $7.25
- In 2020 dollars: $7.43
2020
- U.S. minimum wage: $7.25
- In 2020 dollars: $7.25
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Gabrielle Olya and Amen Oyiboke-Osifo contributed to the reporting for this article.
About the Author
Taylor Bell
Taylor Bell is an Los Angeles-based journalist and staff writer for GOBankingRates covering personal finance. She is a former staff writer for ATTN: and has covered topics ranging from trending pop culture news to women’s social issues.
View All

Although minimum wage is not nearly as low as it used to be, America still has a long way to go when it comes to compensating its workers. The federal minimum wage is currently at $7.25, a number that has stayed the same since 2009.
But even with no recent changes from the federal government, things appear to be moving in the right direction. In July 2019, the U.S. House passed a bill that would raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2025, which could increase the incomes of 17 million to 27 million minimum wage workers, according to Bloomberg. And minimum wage is currently a hot topic as Democrats try to raise it.
In the meantime, several states and localities have taken it upon themselves to raise their own minimum wages. Recently, Illinois, Nevada and Oregon all raised their minimum wages, USA Today reported. Illinois’ minimum wage rose from $9.25 to $10; Nevada’s minimum wage rose from $7.25 to $8 for workers with health insurance, and from $8.25 to $9 for those without health coverage; and Oregon’s minimum wage rose from $11.25 to $12. In addition, 18 municipalities and three counties announced minimum wage increases.
The rise in the minimum wage seems hopeful; however, due to inflation and the rising cost of living, that amount might not be enough in the future. Take a look at how minimum wage has dramatically morphed throughout the years.
Last updated: March 2, 2021
1938
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.25
- In 2020 dollars: $4.54
1939
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.30
- In 2020 dollars: $5.53
Read More: The Average Social Security Check the Year You Were Born
1940
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.30
- In 2020 dollars: $5.57
1941
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.30
- In 2020 dollars: $5.49
1942
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.30
- In 2020 dollars: $4.93
1943
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.30
- In 2020 dollars: $4.58
1944
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.30
- In 2020 dollars: $4.45
Find Out: 100 Ways To Make Money Without a 9-to-5
1945
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.40
- In 2020 dollars: $5.80
1946
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.40
- In 2020 dollars: $5.67
1947
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.40
- In 2020 dollars: $4.80
1948
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.40
- In 2020 dollars: $4.35
1949
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.40
- In 2020 dollars: $4.30
Find Out: What To Sell When You’re Ready To Retire
1950
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.75
- In 2020 dollars: $8.23
1951
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.75
- In 2020 dollars: $7.62
Check Out: 25 Ways To Maximize Your Retirement Savings
1952
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.75
- In 2020 dollars: $7.30
Find Out: 15 Retirement Mistakes and Why They’ll Shrink Your Nest Egg
1953
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.75
- In 2020 dollars: $7.27
1954
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.75
- In 2020 dollars: $7.19
Learn More: Here’s Exactly How Much Savings You Need To Retire In Your State
1955
- U.S. minimum wage: $0.75
- In 2020 dollars: $7.25
1956
- U.S. minimum wage: $1
- In 2020 dollars: $9.63
1957
- U.S. minimum wage: $1
- In 2020 dollars: $9.35
1958
- U.S. minimum wage: $1
- In 2020 dollars: $9.02
1959
- U.S. minimum wage: $1
- In 2020 dollars: $8.90
Stop Now: 50 Terrible Ways To Try and Save Money
1960
- U.S. minimum wage: $1
- In 2020 dollars: $8.80
1961
- U.S. minimum wage: $1.15
- In 2020 dollars: $9.96
Make the Most of Your Money: Tips To Live Comfortably on a Budget
1962
- U.S. minimum wage: $1.15
- In 2020 dollars: $9.89
1963
- U.S. minimum wage: $1.25
- In 2020 dollars: $10.61
1964
- U.S. minimum wage: $1.25
- In 2020 dollars: $10.44
Options: 16 Ways To Save Money on Food
1965
- U.S. minimum wage: $1.25
- In 2020 dollars: $10.34
1966
- U.S. minimum wage: $1.25
- In 2020 dollars: $10.14
1967
- U.S. minimum wage: $1.40
- In 2020 dollars: $10.98
1968
- U.S. minimum wage: $1.60
- In 2020 dollars: $12.10
1969
- U.S. minimum wage: $1.60
- In 2020 dollars: $11.59
See: What Income Level Is Considered Middle Class in Your State?
1970
- U.S. minimum wage: $1.60
- In 2020 dollars: $10.92
1971
- U.S. minimum wage: $1.60
- In 2020 dollars: $10.37
1972
- U.S. minimum wage: $1.60
- In 2020 dollars: $10.04
1973
- U.S. minimum wage: $1.60
- In 2020 dollars: $9.69
1974
- U.S. minimum wage: $2
- In 2020 dollars: $11.07
1975
- U.S. minimum wage: $2.10
- In 2020 dollars: $10.40
Good To Know: 16 Splurges That Save You Money in the Long Run
1976
- U.S. minimum wage: $2.30
- In 2020 dollars: $10.67
1977
- U.S. minimum wage: $2.30
- In 2020 dollars: $10.14
1978
- U.S. minimum wage: $2.65
- In 2020 dollars: $10.94
Get Your Happiness: This Is the Salary Needed To Be Happy in Every State
1979
- U.S. minimum wage: $2.90
- In 2020 dollars: $10.95
1980
- U.S. minimum wage: $3.10
- In 2020 dollars: $10.28
1981
- U.S. minimum wage: $3.35
- In 2020 dollars: $9.93
1982
- U.S. minimum wage: $3.35
- In 2020 dollars: $9.16
1983
- U.S. minimum wage: $3.35
- In 2020 dollars: $8.84
1984
- U.S. minimum wage: $3.35
- In 2020 dollars: $8.48
1985
- U.S. minimum wage: $3.35
- In 2020 dollars: $8.19
1986
- U.S. minimum wage: $3.35
- In 2020 dollars: $7.89
1987
- U.S. minimum wage: $3.35
- In 2020 dollars: $7.77
Worth It: 13 Low-Paying Jobs That Actually Pay Off in Retirement
1988
- U.S. minimum wage: $3.35
- In 2020 dollars: $7.47
1989
- U.S. minimum wage: $3.35
- In 2020 dollars: $7.14
1990
- U.S. minimum wage: $3.80
- In 2020 dollars: $7.69
1991
- U.S. minimum wage: $4.25
- In 2020 dollars: $8.15
1992
- U.S. minimum wage: $4.25
- In 2020 dollars: $7.94
1993
- U.S. minimum wage: $4.25
- In 2020 dollars: $7.69
1994
- U.S. minimum wage: $4.25
- In 2020 dollars: $7.50
1995
- U.S. minimum wage: $4.25
- In 2020 dollars: $7.29
1996
- U.S. minimum wage: $4.75
- In 2020 dollars: $7.94
Rich vs. Wealthy: What’s the Difference Between the Two?
1997
- U.S. minimum wage: $5.15
- In 2020 dollars: $8.35
1998
- U.S. minimum wage: $5.15
- In 2020 dollars: $8.22
1999
- U.S. minimum wage: $5.15
- In 2020 dollars: $8.09
Read More: How Do You Stack Up To the Average Income in Your State?
2000
- U.S. minimum wage: $5.15
- In 2020 dollars: $7.87
2001
- U.S. minimum wage: $5.15
- In 2020 dollars: $7.59
2002
- U.S. minimum wage: $5.15
- In 2020 dollars: $7.50
2003
- U.S. minimum wage: $5.15
- In 2020 dollars: $7.31
2004
- U.S. minimum wage: $5.15
- In 2020 dollars: $7.17
2005
- U.S. minimum wage: $5.15
- In 2020 dollars: $6.97
2006
- U.S. minimum wage: $5.15
- In 2020 dollars: $6.70
2007
- U.S. minimum wage: $5.85
- In 2020 dollars: $7.46
2008
- U.S. minimum wage: $6.55
- In 2020 dollars: $8.01
2009
- U.S. minimum wage: $7.25
- In 2020 dollars: $8.86
2010
- U.S. minimum wage: $7.25
- In 2020 dollars: $8.63
Take a Look: The GOP Wants a $10 Minimum Wage — How Does It Compare to $15 in the Real World?
2011
- U.S. minimum wage: $7.25
- In 2020 dollars: $8.49
2012
- U.S. minimum wage: $7.25
- In 2020 dollars: $8.25
2013
- U.S. minimum wage: $7.25
- In 2020 dollars: $8.12
2014
- U.S. minimum wage: $7.25
- In 2020 dollars: $8
2015
- U.S. minimum wage: $7.25
- In 2020 dollars: $8
2016
- U.S. minimum wage: $7.25
- In 2020 dollars: $7.89
2017
- U.S. minimum wage: $7.25
- In 2020 dollars: $7.70
2018
- U.S. minimum wage: $7.25
- In 2020 dollars: $7.55
2019
- U.S. minimum wage: $7.25
- In 2020 dollars: $7.43
2020
- U.S. minimum wage: $7.25
- In 2020 dollars: $7.25
More From GOBankingRates
- Nominate Your Favorite Small Business and Share With Your Community
- Should the COVID-19 Vaccine Be Required? Take Our Poll
- What Income Level Is Considered Middle Class in Your State?
- 20 Ways To Pay Less at Costco
Gabrielle Olya and Amen Oyiboke-Osifo contributed to the reporting for this article.
About the Author
Taylor Bell
Taylor Bell is an Los Angeles-based journalist and staff writer for GOBankingRates covering personal finance. She is a former staff writer for ATTN: and has covered topics ranging from trending pop culture news to women’s social issues.