Most of us can remember the thrill of our first job – the feeling of having our own money to spend, the excitement of being able to buy things for ourselves, and the feeling of being an adult. But as exciting as it was, most of us were likely paid minimum wage, which is the lowest wage that employers are legally allowed to pay. So, what was minimum wage when you had your first job?
Minimum Wage History
Minimum wage was first established in 1938, when the Fair Labor Standards Act was passed. At the time, the minimum wage was set at $0.25 an hour. Over the years, the minimum wage has been increased periodically to keep up with the cost of living, and is now set at $7.25 an hour. The federal minimum wage applies to all employees in the United States, unless a state or local law sets a higher wage.
Minimum Wage by State
While the federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, many states have their own minimum wage laws that set a higher wage. For example, in California, the minimum wage is currently set at $12.00 an hour. In Washington, D.C., it is $14.00 an hour. In New York, it is $11.80 an hour. In Florida, it is $8.56 an hour. It is important to check the laws in your state to make sure you are being paid the minimum wage required by law.
Minimum Wage Increases
In recent years, there has been a push to increase the minimum wage to a “living wage” – a wage that is high enough to support a family. This has resulted in many states and local governments raising the minimum wage, and some states are even considering raising it to $15 an hour. This could mean that, if you had your first job in one of these states, the minimum wage could have been higher than the federal rate.
Your First Job
How to Find Out What the Minimum Wage Was When You Had Your First Job
If you want to know what the minimum wage was when you had your first job, there are a few ways to find out. The first is to check with your state’s Department of Labor. They will be able to tell you the minimum wage that was in effect at the time you were employed. You can also check the Department of Labor’s website, which has a list of the minimum wage laws by state.
Final Thoughts
Minimum wage is an important issue, as it can have a big impact on a person’s ability to make ends meet. Knowing what the minimum wage was when you had your first job can help you understand how much you were paid, and how it has changed over the years. It can also give you an idea of what the current minimum wage is in your state, and whether or not it needs to be increased.