Statutory minimum wage in Georgia (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Georgia's own minimum wage is $5.15 an hour, below the federal rate. With limited exceptions, employers covered by the federal Act must pay the federal $7.25 an hour.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| National statutory minimum wageEmployees | Yes [1] |
| Current adult minimum wage (gross)Employees | $5.15 per hour [1] |
| Age bands, reduced rates and exclusionsEmployees | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Next scheduled changeEmployees | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Amount from next change (gross)Employees | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Minimum cash wage for tipped workersEmployees | Georgia's minimum wage law does not apply to tipped employees. Employers covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act may pay a cash wage of $2.13 an hour, provided tips bring pay up to $7.25 an hour. [2] |
Notes
- The state rate is below the federal rate. The Department of Labor says that, with some limited exceptions, the federal rate of $7.25 per hour applies. The US Department of Labor's state page adds that the state law covers employers of six or more employees and excludes employment subject to the federal Act where the federal rate is greater.
- No scheduled change was found.
Sources
- Georgia Department of Labor: Minimum Wage (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division: Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (revised 1 July 2026) (Internet Archive snapshot of 4 October 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| National statutory minimum wage | Yes (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
|---|---|
| Current adult minimum wage (gross) | $7.25 per hour (source: U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division) |
| Age bands, reduced rates and exclusions | A new employee under 20 years of age may be paid not less than $4.25 an hour during the first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment with an employer. (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
Georgia and neighbouring states
| State | National statutory minimum wage | Current adult minimum wage (gross) | Age bands, reduced rates and exclusions | Next scheduled change | Amount from next change (gross) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | Yes | $5.15 per hour (state; federal $7.25) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Alabama | No state minimum wage law | Federal $7.25 per hour | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Florida | Yes | $15.00 per hour (from 30 Sep 2026) | ⚠ Not yet verified | 1 January 2028 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| North Carolina | Yes | $7.25 per hour | 90% for students, learners, apprentices | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| South Carolina | No state minimum wage | Federal $7.25 per hour | — | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Tennessee | No state minimum wage | Federal $7.25 per hour | — | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Georgia
- Cannabis
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph (all other areas)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (Class D provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (Class CP learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: 15
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (licensed sellers, 18+) · Minimum age to buy: 18
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Blade of 12 in or less: not a 'knife' · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Minors 8 and older only
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% under 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.