Minimum wage in Saint Paul, MN
$16.37 per hour1
per hourGeneral rate since January 1, 2026
No scheduled increase on record.
5 rates in force
Rates by worker type, industry and employer size
The highest rate that fits the job applies.
| Applies to | Rate | Effective |
|---|---|---|
1–5 employeesSourceJuly 1, 2026 | $14.25 |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $14.25July 1, 2026 | July 1, 2026 |
6–100 employeesSourceJuly 1, 2026 | $16.37* |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $16.37July 1, 2026 | July 1, 2026 |
101–10000 employeesSourceJanuary 1, 2026 | $16.37* |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $16.37January 1, 2026 | January 1, 2026 |
10001+ employeesSourceJanuary 1, 2026 | $16.37* |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $16.37January 1, 2026 | January 1, 2026 |
Youth · employees aged 14-17 during the first 90 days after hireSourceJuly 1, 2026 | $13.95 |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $13.95July 1, 2026 | July 1, 2026 |
5 on record
Scheduled increases
Future rates already set in law or certified. Projected rows are marked.
- in 92 days$14.251–5 employees
Source
Effective January 1, 2027, the minimum wage hourly rate will be: $17.02 for large and macro businesses (101+ employees) $16.37 for small businesses (6–100 employees) $14.25 for micro businesses (5 employees or fewer)
- Source
- press release
- snapshot
- September 26, 2026
- Notes
- Micro band unchanged until July 1, 2027.
Verified September 26, 2026
- in 92 days
was $16.37$17.02101–10000 employeesSource
Effective January 1, 2027, the minimum wage hourly rate will be: $17.02 for large and macro businesses (101+ employees)
- Source
- press release
- snapshot
- September 26, 2026
- Notes
- Large band (101-10,000).
Verified September 26, 2026
- in 92 days
was $16.37$17.0210001+ employeesSource
Effective January 1, 2027, the minimum wage hourly rate will be: $17.02 for large and macro businesses (101+ employees)
- Source
- press release
- snapshot
- September 26, 2026
- Notes
- Macro band (10,001+).
Verified September 26, 2026
was $14.25$15.001–5 employeesSource
Effective July 1, 2027, the minimum wage hourly rates will be: $17.02 for large and macro businesses (101+ employees) $17.02 for small businesses (6–100 employees) $15.00 for micro businesses (5 employees or fewer)
- Source
- press release
- snapshot
- September 26, 2026
Verified September 26, 2026
was $16.37$17.026–100 employeesSource
Effective July 1, 2027, the minimum wage hourly rates will be: $17.02 for large and macro businesses (101+ employees) $17.02 for small businesses (6–100 employees)
- Source
- press release
- snapshot
- September 26, 2026
Verified September 26, 2026
2020 to 2027
History
Each step is a rate row with its own quoted source.
Show the history as a table
| Applies to | Rate | Effective | Until |
|---|---|---|---|
10001+ employeesSourceJanuary 1, 2026 | $16.37* |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $16.37January 1, 2026 – January 1, 2027 | January 1, 2026 | January 1, 2027 |
10001+ employeesSourceJanuary 1, 2025 | $15.97* |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $15.97January 1, 2025 – January 1, 2026 | January 1, 2025 | January 1, 2026 |
10001+ employeesSourceJanuary 1, 2024 | $15.57* |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $15.57January 1, 2024 – January 1, 2025 | January 1, 2024 | January 1, 2025 |
10001+ employeesSourceJanuary 1, 2023 | $15.19* |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $15.19January 1, 2023 – January 1, 2024 | January 1, 2023 | January 1, 2024 |
10001+ employeesSourceJuly 1, 2022 | $15.00 |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $15.00July 1, 2022 – January 1, 2023 | July 1, 2022 | January 1, 2023 |
10001+ employeesSourceJuly 1, 2021 | $12.50 |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $12.50July 1, 2021 – July 1, 2022 | July 1, 2021 | July 1, 2022 |
10001+ employeesSourceMacro Businesses (10,001+ employees) & City of Saint Paul Rate increase date | Rate | July 1, 2020 | $12.50 |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $12.50July 1, 2020 – July 1, 2021 | July 1, 2020 | July 1, 2021 |
Earlier rules by employer size, worker type and condition (30)
| Applies to | Rate | Effective | Until |
|---|---|---|---|
1–5 employeesSourceJuly 1, 2025 | $13.25 |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $13.25July 1, 2025 – July 1, 2026 | July 1, 2025 | July 1, 2026 |
6–100 employeesSourceJuly 1, 2025 | $15.00 |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $15.00July 1, 2025 – July 1, 2026 | July 1, 2025 | July 1, 2026 |
Youth · employees aged 14-17 during the first 90 days after hireSourceJuly 1, 2025 | $12.75 |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $12.75July 1, 2025 – July 1, 2026 | July 1, 2025 | July 1, 2026 |
101–10000 employeesSourceJanuary 1, 2025 | $15.97* |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $15.97January 1, 2025 – January 1, 2026 | January 1, 2025 | January 1, 2026 |
10001+ employeesSourceJanuary 1, 2025 | $15.97* |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $15.97January 1, 2025 – January 1, 2026 | January 1, 2025 | January 1, 2026 |
1–5 employeesSourceJuly 1, 2024 | $12.25 |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $12.25July 1, 2024 – July 1, 2025 | July 1, 2024 | July 1, 2025 |
6–100 employeesSourceJuly 1, 2024 | $14.00 |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $14.00July 1, 2024 – July 1, 2025 | July 1, 2024 | July 1, 2025 |
101–10000 employeesSourceJuly 1, 2024 | $15.57* |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $15.57July 1, 2024 – January 1, 2025 | July 1, 2024 | January 1, 2025 |
Youth · employees aged 14-17 during the first 90 days after hireSourceJuly 1, 2024 | $11.90 |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $11.90July 1, 2024 – July 1, 2025 | July 1, 2024 | July 1, 2025 |
10001+ employeesSourceJanuary 1, 2024 | $15.57* |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $15.57January 1, 2024 – January 1, 2025 | January 1, 2024 | January 1, 2025 |
1–5 employeesSourceJuly 1, 2023 | $11.5 |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $11.50July 1, 2023 – July 1, 2024 | July 1, 2023 | July 1, 2024 |
6–100 employeesSourceJuly 1, 2023 | $13.00 |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $13.00July 1, 2023 – July 1, 2024 | July 1, 2023 | July 1, 2024 |
101–10000 employeesSourceJuly 1, 2023 | $15.00 |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $15.00July 1, 2023 – July 1, 2024 | July 1, 2023 | July 1, 2024 |
Youth · employees aged 14-17 during the first 90 days after hireSourceJuly 1, 2023 | $11.05 |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $11.05July 1, 2023 – July 1, 2024 | July 1, 2023 | July 1, 2024 |
10001+ employeesSourceJanuary 1, 2023 | $15.19* |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $15.19January 1, 2023 – January 1, 2024 | January 1, 2023 | January 1, 2024 |
1–5 employeesSourceJuly 1, 2022 | $10.75 |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $10.75July 1, 2022 – July 1, 2023 | July 1, 2022 | July 1, 2023 |
6–100 employeesSourceJuly 1, 2022 | $12.00 |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $12.00July 1, 2022 – July 1, 2023 | July 1, 2022 | July 1, 2023 |
101–10000 employeesSourceJuly 1, 2022 | $13.50 |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $13.50July 1, 2022 – July 1, 2023 | July 1, 2022 | July 1, 2023 |
10001+ employeesSourceJuly 1, 2022 | $15.00 |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $15.00July 1, 2022 – January 1, 2023 | July 1, 2022 | January 1, 2023 |
Youth · employees aged 14-17 during the first 90 days after hireSourceJuly 1, 2022 | $10.20 |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $10.20July 1, 2022 – July 1, 2023 | July 1, 2022 | July 1, 2023 |
1–5 employeesSourceJuly 1, 2021 | $10.00 |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $10.00July 1, 2021 – July 1, 2022 | July 1, 2021 | July 1, 2022 |
6–100 employeesSourceJuly 1, 2021 | $11.00 |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $11.00July 1, 2021 – July 1, 2022 | July 1, 2021 | July 1, 2022 |
101–10000 employeesSourceJuly 1, 2021 | $12.50 |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $12.50July 1, 2021 – July 1, 2022 | July 1, 2021 | July 1, 2022 |
10001+ employeesSourceJuly 1, 2021 | $12.50 |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $12.50July 1, 2021 – July 1, 2022 | July 1, 2021 | July 1, 2022 |
Youth · employees aged 14-17 during the first 90 days after hireSourceJuly 1, 2021 | $9.35 |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $9.35July 1, 2021 – July 1, 2022 | July 1, 2021 | July 1, 2022 |
1–5 employeesSourceMicro Businesses (5 or fewer employees) Rate increase date | Rate | July 1, 2020 | $9.25 |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $9.25July 1, 2020 – July 1, 2021 | July 1, 2020 | July 1, 2021 |
6–100 employeesSourceSmall Businesses (6-100 employees) Rate increase date | Rate | July 1, 2020 | $10.00 |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $10.00July 1, 2020 – July 1, 2021 | July 1, 2020 | July 1, 2021 |
101–10000 employeesSourceLarge Businesses (101-10,000 employees) Rate increase date | Rate | July 1, 2020 | $11.50 |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $11.50July 1, 2020 – July 1, 2021 | July 1, 2020 | July 1, 2021 |
10001+ employeesSourceMacro Businesses (10,001+ employees) & City of Saint Paul Rate increase date | Rate | July 1, 2020 | $12.50 |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $12.50July 1, 2020 – July 1, 2021 | July 1, 2020 | July 1, 2021 |
Youth · employees aged 14-17 during the first 90 days after hireSourceYouth Workers Employees who are 14-17 years old must be paid at least 85% of the City Minimum Wage for small employers for 90 days following their hiring date, rounded up to the nearest nickel. After 90 consecutive days (not days of work) from the date of hire, these employees shall be paid the applicable City Minimum Wage based on business size. Employees must be paid the City Minimum Wage starting on their 18th birthday, even if it falls within their first 90 days of employment. Rate increase date | Rate | July 1, 2020 | $8.50 |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $8.50July 1, 2020 – July 1, 2021 | July 1, 2020 | July 1, 2021 |
BLS · May 2025
How the minimum compares with typical pay in Minnesota
60%of the median hourly wage
The median hourly wage across all occupations in Minnesota is $27.36 and the mean is $34.21 (BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates). The minimum wage of $16.37 is 60% of the median and above the 10th-percentile wage of $16.12: more than a tenth of workers across Minnesota earn less than this rate. BLS
| Applies to | Rate |
|---|---|
| Minimum wage | $16.37 |
| 10th percentile | $16.12 |
| 25th percentile | $19.08 |
| Median | $27.36 |
| Mean | $34.21 |
11 rules · September 27, 2026
Labor law basics in Saint Paul, MN
What the law adds on top of the hourly rate. Follow the citation for exceptions.
Overtime
Minnesota requires overtime of at least 1.5 times the regular rate for hours worked over 48 in a workweek; employers covered by the federal FLSA must still pay overtime after 40 hours. (non-exempt employees under Minn. Stat. 177.23, subd. 7 (Minnesota Fair Labor Standards Act))
Source: Minn. Stat. § 177.25
The Minnesota Fair Labor Standards Act requires employers to pay overtime for all hours worked over 48 per workweek, unless the employee is exempt under Minnesota Statutes 177.23, subdivision 7. Overtime pay must be at least 1.5 times the employee's regular rate of pay. This is calculated by dividing the total pay in any work week by the total number of hours worked in that week.
- Source
- agency page
- snapshot
- September 27, 2026
Verified September 27, 2026
Rest breaks
Employers must allow a rest break of at least 15 minutes, or enough time to use the nearest restroom if longer, within each four consecutive hours worked.
Source: Minn. Stat. §§ 181.883, 181.9413
Under the updated rest break law, employers must allow employees to take rest breaks that: last at least 15 minutes; occur within each four consecutive hours of work; and provide time to use the nearest restroom or otherwise take a break.
- Source
- agency page
- snapshot
- September 27, 2026
- Notes
- Minn. Stat. 177.253. Breaks shorter than 20 minutes count as hours worked and must be paid.
Verified September 27, 2026
Meal breaks
Employees working six or more consecutive hours must be allowed a meal break of at least 30 minutes.
Source: Minn. Stat. §§ 181.883, 181.9413
Under the updated meal break law, employers must allow employees to take a meal break that: lasts at least 30 minutes; occurs when working six or more consecutive hours; and provides time to eat a meal.
- Source
- agency page
- snapshot
- September 27, 2026
- Notes
- Minn. Stat. 177.254. The meal break may be unpaid only if the employee is completely relieved of duties.
Verified September 27, 2026
Pay frequency
Employees must be paid all wages earned at least once every 31 days on a regularly scheduled payday.
Source: Minn. Stat. § 177.27
Current employees: Current employees must be paid all wages earned at least once every 31 days on a regularly scheduled payday.
- Source
- agency page
- snapshot
- September 27, 2026
Verified September 27, 2026
Final paycheck
Discharged employees must be paid within 24 hours of demanding their final wages; employees who quit must be paid by the next payday at least five days after their last day, and no later than 20 days after it.
Source: Minn. Stat. §§ 181.101, 181.13, 181.14
for a discharged employee, wages are due within 24 hours of demand; and for voluntary-quit employees, wages are due by the next payday that is at least five days after the employee's last day of work, not to exceed 20 days from the last day worked.
- Source
- agency page
- snapshot
- September 27, 2026
Verified September 27, 2026
Paid sick leave
Employees earn 1 hour of paid sick and safe time for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours a year unless the employer allows more. (employees expected to work at least 80 hours a year in Minnesota)
Source: Minn. Stat. §§ 181.9445 to 181.9448
An employee earns one hour of sick and safe time for every 30 hours worked and can earn a maximum of 48 hours each year unless the employer agrees to a higher amount.
- Source
- agency page
- snapshot
- September 27, 2026
- Notes
- Earned sick and safe time, Minn. Stat. 181.9445 to 181.9448.
Verified September 27, 2026
Tips
Employers may not take a tip credit: tipped employees must receive the full minimum wage in addition to their tips. (tipped employees)
Source: Minn. Stat. §§ 177.24, 181.53
Minnesota employers are prohibited from taking a tip credit against the minimum wage Call us Email us Employers may not count tips received by an employee toward the payment of minimum wage. Employees must receive the applicable minimum wage in addition to any tips they may receive.
- Source
- agency page
- snapshot
- September 27, 2026
- Notes
- Employers also may not require employees to share tips or join a tip pool, except that direct service employees may divide shared gratuities.
Verified September 27, 2026
Young workers' hours
Minors under 16 may not work before 7 a.m. or after 9 p.m. (newspaper carriers excepted) or more than 8 hours in a 24-hour period or 40 hours a week (agriculture excepted), and 16- and 17-year-old high school students may not work after 11 p.m. on evenings before school days or before 5 a.m. on school days. (minors under 18 (Minn. Stat. 181A.04))
Source: Minn. Stat. § 181A.04
A minor less than 16 years of age may not work: before 7 a.m. or after 9 p.m.* with the exception of a newspaper carrier; more than 40 hours a week or more than eight hours in a 24-hour period*, except in agriculture; on school days during school hours, unless an employment certificate has been issued by the school district superintendent (see Minnesota Statutes 181A.05) and the worker is allowed to work during school hours under federal law. *During the school year, federal law restricts hours worked to no later than 7 p.m., no more than three hours a day and not more than 18 hours in a week. Workers age 16 or 17 By state law, 16- and 17-year old high school students may not work after 11 p.m. on evenings before school days or before 5 a.m. on school days.
- Source
- agency page
- snapshot
- September 27, 2026
- Notes
- With parental permission 16- and 17-year-olds may work until 11:30 p.m. and from 4:30 a.m.
Verified September 27, 2026
Required poster
Employers must display Minnesota's state-mandated workplace posters, free from the Department of Labor and Industry, where employees can easily see them.
Source: Minn. Stat. § 177.31
Minnesota law requires employers to display certain posters in a location where employees can easily see them. The posters are available at no cost and need to be updated only when Minnesota law changes.
- Source
- agency page
- snapshot
- September 27, 2026
Verified September 27, 2026
Recovering unpaid wages
Workers who have not been paid wages they are owed can file a wage claim with the Department of Labor and Industry's Labor Standards Division, which helps recover unpaid wages.
Source: Minn. Stat. § 177.27
If you haven't received the wages you are owed, you can file a wage claim. The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry's Labor Standards Division can help you file a wage claim and recover unpaid wages.
- Source
- agency page
- snapshot
- September 27, 2026
Verified September 27, 2026
Overtime-exempt salary threshold
Executive, administrative and professional employees are exempt from minimum wage and overtime only if they meet the duties tests and are paid a salary of at least $684 per week ($35,568 a year). (executive, administrative, professional and outside sales employees)
Source: 29 C.F.R. Part 541
To qualify for exemption, employees generally must meet certain tests regarding their job duties and be paid on a salary basis at not less than $684 per week.
- Source
- agency page
- snapshot
- September 26, 2026
- Notes
- The 2024 rule raising the level to $844/$1,128 was vacated in November 2024; DOL enforces the 2019 level of $684.
Verified September 26, 2026
$16.37 / hour
Calculators
Estimates before tax at this rate. Nothing you type leaves this page.
What this wage pays
| Weekly | $654.80 |
|---|---|
| Monthly52 weeks ÷ 12 | $2,837.47 |
| Annual52 weeks | $34,049.60 |
| Overtime rate1.5× where overtime applies | $24.56 |
Were you underpaid?
3 questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Saint Paul, MN?
$16.37 per hour since January 1, 2026. For a 40-hour week that is about $654.80 a week or $34,049.60 a year before tax.
Is the minimum wage in Saint Paul, MN increasing?
No increase is scheduled on record as of October 1, 2026. Inflation-indexed jurisdictions announce the next figure a few months before it takes effect.
What is the minimum wage for young or new workers in Saint Paul, MN?
Youth (employees aged 14-17 during the first 90 days after hire): $13.95 per hour.
3 levels of law
How this rate is resolved
The highest minimum that covers the work location applies.
Employers must pay the highest minimum that covers the work location. WageTable checks each level in turn:
- United States
- Minnesota
- Saint Paul
Saint Paul sets 5 rules of its own.
Notes on this jurisdiction's rules and sources
UC Berkeley Labor Center inventory (us-berkeley-local-inventory, as of 2026-09-26): listed as Saint Paul, MN. Rates differ by employer size (macro, large, small, micro) on a phase-in schedule. Official page: tables from 2020 for macro (10,001+), large (101-10,000), small (6-100), micro (5 or fewer) and youth; 2026 $16.37 macro/large, small $16.37 from July 1, 2026, micro $14.25; 2027 $17.02 (101+). Ord. 26-31 (Aug 2026) eliminates the youth 90-day rate.