Hey Compliance Warriors!
Here is a list of minimum wage changes through mid-2021 as of today. Read on…
Minimum wage laws can affect businesses of all sizes, whether operating nationwide, in multiple jurisdictions, or only in one state, county, or city. To help manage this challenge, below we provide a rates-only update that details scheduled state- and local-level wage increases throughout 2021 so employers can determine the minimum amount they must pay non-exempt, tipped, and certain exempt employees. Before we chart out the 2021 rates, however, we briefly highlight rate changes that occurred in fall 2020, November 2020 ballot measures, and a unique 2021 issue in New Mexico. Note that pending or future legislation might change minimum wage rates that will apply in 2021, so we recommend employers monitor legislative developments and consult with counsel to confirm rates did not change since publication.
Fall 2020 Changes
Before we look forward to 2021, let’s take a quick look at minimum wage-related changes that took effect in the latter part of 2020:
- On September 1, 2020, the minimum wage in Connecticut increased from $11.00 to $12.00 per hour. For tipped employees, though the minimum cash wage remained $6.38 (tipped hotel or restaurant employee) and $8.23 (bartender) per hour, the maximum tip credit increased from $4.52 to $5.62 per hour, and $2.77 to $3.77 per hour, respectively.
- On September 21, 2020, Burlingame, California, in Northern California’s San Francisco Bay Area, enacted a local minimum wage ordinance, which will become operative on January 1, 2021 (rate noted below).
- On October 1, 2020, the minimum wage in Rhode Island increased from $10.50 to $11.50 per hour. For tipped employees, although the minimum cash wage remained $3.89 per hour, the maximum tip credit increased from $6.61 to $7.61 per hour.
- On November 1, a new $14.00 per hour minimum wage for long-term care facility direct care staff took effect in New Jersey. On September 16, 2020, Governor Phil Murphy (D) signed A4482, creating the new statewide minimum wage for these workers, which must be $3.00 per hour greater than the applicable general state minimum wage (2021 change noted below).
November 2020 Ballot Measures
At the November 3, 2020 election, voters decided the fate of one statewide and two local ballot measures concerning the minimum wage. At the time of publication, though not necessarily officially certified, it appears voters approved the following three measures:
In Florida, Amendment 2 establishes a $10.00 per hour minimum wage on September 30, 2021, which will increase $1.00 per hour each subsequent September 30 until the minimum wage reaches $15.00 per hour on September 30, 2026. On September 30, 2027, and each subsequent September 30, the state will annually adjust the minimum wage based on changes to the consumer price index (CPI).1
Less than one month before voters went to the polls, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity announced an annual CPI adjustment to take effect on January 1, 2021 ($8.65 per hour), as it was required to do under the state constitution before the amendments. Materials accompanying the ballot measure do not discuss the affect, if any, of the ballot measure’s amendments on the Department’s adjustment (e.g., Amendment 2 says the state will annually adjust the rate beginning on September 30, 2027). Accordingly, for the time being, unless the Department revises its mandatory poster to state otherwise, it appears the pre-ballot measure increase will be in effect from January 1 through September 29, 2021, followed by ballot measure amendments on September 30, 2021.
Portland, Maine voters approved Question A, which increases the citywide minimum wage in future years, on January 1, to $13.00 (2022), $14.00 (2023), and $15.00 per hour (2024). Each January 1 afterwards, the city will annually adjust the minimum wage based on changes to the CPI. Additionally, the ballot measure changes the minimum cash wage for tipped employees standard from half the state minimum to half the local minimum wage.
Notably, the ballot measure creates a special minimum wage rate – 1.5 times the minimum wage – for work employees perform during a declared emergency; however, the increased minimum wage rate does not apply to telework. Although there was disagreement over whether this rate would take effect immediately, once the amendments become official, the city initially said the “declared emergency minimum wage” does not apply until 2022. However, after that announcement, the city held further meetings with legal staff, so employers should monitor this development in case the city’s position changes.
In Rockland, Maine, voters approved a new minimum wage ordinance that will become operative on January 1, 2022, at which time covered employees must receive a $13.00 citywide minimum wage. Preset increases to the minimum wage will occur on January 1 in 2023 ($14.00) and 2024 ($15.00). Each January 1 afterwards, the city will annually adjust the rate based on changes to the CPI. For tipped employees, the ordinance allows employers to apply a tip credit of up to half the applicable minimum wage. Additionally, the ordinance contains notice requirements concerning the tip credit, and discusses service charges, credit card tips, and tip pooling.
New Mexico, New Year, New Issues: State Rate Exceeds Various Local Rates in 2021
Essentially, local minimum wage ordinances are a response to low or unchanging federal or state minimum wage rates. A city or county enacts a law to set a minimum wage rate that exceeds that set by federal and state law. Although this logic remains true concerning the federal minimum wage, which has remained $7.25 per hour since July 24, 2009, in recent years more states have taken steps to increase their rates. Moreover, many have established rate increases across multiple years, sometimes followed by annual adjustments based on CPI changes. As a result, the state rate could exceed the local rate. In 2021, this will occur in New Mexico when the state minimum wage increases from $9.00 to $10.50 on January 1, 2021. This development creates unique issues for employers subject to local minimum wage ordinances in Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, and Las Cruces.
Currently, these three jurisdictions’ ordinances require an annual adjustment to their local minimum wage based on CPI changes. Moreover, all adjusted rates take effect on January 1. Bernalillo County announced the CPI adjustment would increase the local minimum wage from $9.20 to $9.35, more than $1 per hour less than the 2021 state minimum wage. However, in their CPI-adjustment announcements, Albuquerque and Las Cruces say the local minimum wage will increase to $10.50 per hour, i.e., the state minimum wage. But, neither city’s minimum wage, when adjusted according to the formula the ordinances establish, produces a $10.50 per hour outcome. Rather, Albuquerque’s minimum wage would increase from $9.35 to $9.50 per hour, and Las Cruces’ would increase from $10.25 to $10.45 per hour. Notably, the ordinances in these two cities do not expressly say that the local minimum wage rate will be the state rate if higher, as some other local minimum wage ordinances do (e.g., Cook County, IL; Portland, ME; Montgomery County, MD; Saint Paul, MN).
For employers with tipped employees in Albuquerque and Las Cruces, another related wrinkle arises. In Albuquerque and Las Cruces, employers must pay tipped employees a minimum cash wage (MCW) that is no less than 60% or 40% of the applicable minimum wage, respectively. When making their annual adjustment announcements, the cities based their MCW on the state minimum wage, rather than what the adjusted local minimum wage would be. Albuquerque says the 2021 MCW will be $6.30 (rather than $5.70) and Las Cruces says the 2021 MCW will be $4.20 (rather than $4.18). Note, however, even using the lower statutory CPI-adjustment MCW, both would exceed the state’s 2021 MCW of $2.55 per hour.
Finally, another issue that arises with the increased state minimum wage involves credits employers may apply toward satisfying their local minimum wage obligations in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County. In both jurisdictions, employers may pay employees $1 per hour less than the general minimum wage if they provide a certain level of health and/or childcare benefits. However, this would result in paying employees less than the state minimum wage.
2021 Minimum Wage Increases2
First, we highlight state, counties, and cities where the minimum wage will increase in 2021. If the rate will not change, we do not include that information. Please note that some – but not all – New York rates may also increase on December 31, 2021, but for this article we focus on the New York rates that will apply every day in 2021 except December 31, 2021. Additionally, information concerning Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, and Las Cruces, New Mexico is not included in the below chart.
|
Jurisdiction |
Increase Date |
2020 Minimum Wage (MW) (or Pre-Change Rate3) |
2021 MW |
Increase |
| Alaska |
January 1 |
$10.19 |
$10.34 |
15¢ |
| Arizona |
January 1 |
$12.00 |
$12.15 |
15¢ |
| Flagstaff, AZ |
January 1 |
$13.00 |
$15.00 |
$2.00 |
| Arkansas |
January 1 |
$10.00 |
$11.00 |
$1.00 |
| California (≥26) |
January 1 |
$13.00 |
$14.00 |
$1.00 |
| California (≤25) |
January 1 |
$12.00 |
$13.00 |
$1.00 |
| Belmont, CA |
January 1 |
$15.00 |
$15.90 |
90¢ |
| Berkeley, CA (General) |
July 1 |
$16.07 |
TBD |
TBD |
| Berkeley, CA (Youth Works & Job Training) |
July 1 |
$15.75 |
TBD |
TBD |
| Burlingame, CA |
January 1 |
$13.00 or $12.00 (State) |
$15.00 |
$2.00 or $3.00 |
| Cupertino, CA |
January 1 |
$15.35 |
$15.65 |
30¢ |
| Daly City, CA |
January 1 |
$13.75 |
$15.00 |
$1.25 |
| El Cerrito, CA |
January 1 |
$15.37 |
$15.61 |
24¢ |
| Emeryville, CA |
July 1 |
$16.84 |
TBD |
TBD |
| Fremont, CA (≥26) |
July 1 |
$15.00 |
TBD |
TBD |
| Fremont, CA (≤25) |
July 1 |
$13.50 |
$15.00 |
$1.50 |
| Half Moon Bay, CA |
January 1 |
$13.00 or $12.00 (State) |
$15.00 |
$2.00 or $3.00 |
| Hayward, CA (≥26) |
January 1 |
$13.00 (State) |
$15.00 |
$2.00 |
| Hayward, CA (≤25) |
January 1 |
$12.00 (State) |
$14.00 |
$2.00 |
| Long Beach (Hotel) |
July 1 |
$15.47 |
TBD |
TBD |
| Los Altos, CA |
January 1 |
$15.40 |
$15.65 |
25¢ |
| Los Angeles, CA (≤25)4 |
July 1 |
$14.25 |
$15.00 |
75¢ |
| Los Angeles, CA (Hotel) |
July 1 |
$17.13 |
TBD |
TBD |
| Los Angeles County (Unincorp.), CA (≤25)5 |
July 1 |
$14.25 |
$15.00 |
75¢ |
| Malibu, CA (≤25)6 |
July 1 |
$14.25 |
$15.00 |
75¢ |
| Menlo Park, CA |
January 1 |
$15.00 |
$15.25 |
25¢ |
| Milpitas, CA |
July 1 |
$15.40 |
TBD |
TBD |
| Mountain View, CA |
January 1 |
$16.05 |
$16.30 |
25¢ |
| Novato, CA (≥100) |
January 1 |
$15.00 |
$15.24 |
24¢ |
| Novato, CA (26-99) |
January 1 |
$14.00 |
$15.00 |
$1.00 |
| Novato, CA (≤25) |
January 1 |
$13.00 |
$14.00 |
$1.00 |
| Oakland, CA (General) |
January 1 |
$14.14 |
$14.36 |
22¢ |
| Oakland, CA (Hotel – No Health Benefits) |
January 1 |
$20. 50 |
TBD7 |
TBD |
| Oakland, CA (Hotel –Health Benefits) |
January 1 |
$15.37 |
TBD |
TBD |
| Palo Alto, CA |
January 1 |
$15.40 |
$15.65 |
25¢ |
| Pasadena, CA (≤25)8 |
July 1 |
$14.25 |
$15.00 |
75¢ |
| Petaluma, CA (≥26) |
January 1 |
$15.00 |
$15.20 |
20¢ |
| Petaluma, CA (≤25) |
January 1 |
$14.00 |
$15.20 |
$1.20 |
| Redwood City, CA |
January 1 |
$15.38 |
$15.62 |
24¢ |
| Richmond, CA (Without Benefits) |
January 1 |
$15.00 |
$15.21 |
21¢ |
| Richmond, CA (With Benefits9) |
January 1 |
$13.50 |
$13.71 (Caution10) |
21¢ |
| San Carlos |
January 1 |
$13.00 or $12.00 (State) |
$15.24 |
$2.24 or $3.24 |
| San Diego |
January 1 |
$13.00 |
$14.00 |
$1.00 |
| San Francisco, CA (General) |
July 1 |
$16.07 |
TBD |
TBD |
| San Francisco, CA (Gov’t-Supported Employee) |
July 1 |
$14.22 |
TBD |
TBD |
| San Jose, CA (General)11 |
January 1 |
$15.25 |
$15.45 |
20¢ |
| San Mateo, CA |
January 1 |
$15.38 |
$15.62 |
24¢ |
| Santa Clara, CA |
January 1 |
$15.40 |
$15.65 |
25¢ |
| Santa Monica, CA (≤25)12 |
July 1 |
$14.25 |
$15.00 |
75¢ |
| Santa Monica, CA (Hotels) |
July 1 |
$17.13 |
TBD |
TBD |
| Santa Rosa, CA (≥26) |
January 1 |
$15.00 |
$15.20 |
20¢ |
| Santa Rosa, CA (≤25) |
January 1 |
$14.00 |
$15.20 |
$1.20 |
| Sonoma, CA (≥26) |
January 1 |
$13.50 |
$15.00 (Caution13) |
$1.50 |
| Sonoma, CA (≤25) |
January 1 |
$12.50 |
$14.00 (Caution14) |
$1.50 |
| South San Francisco, CA |
January 1 |
$15.00 |
$15.24 |
24¢ |
| Sunnyvale, CA |
January 1 |
$16.05 |
$16.30 |
25¢ |
| Colorado |
January 1 |
$12.00 |
$12.32 |
32¢ |
| Denver, CO |
January 1 |
$12.85 |
$14.77 |
$1.92 |
| Connecticut |
August 1 |
$12.00 |
$13.00 |
$1.00 |
| District of Columbia |
July 1 |
$15.00 |
TBD |
TBD |
| Florida (also, see above) |
January 1 & September 30 |
$8.56 |
$8.65 & $10.00 |
9¢ & $1.35 |
| Illinois |
January 1 |
$10.00 |
$11.00 |
$1.00 |
| Chicago, IL (≥21) |
July 1 |
$14.00 |
$15.00 |
TBD |
| Chicago, IL (4-20) |
July 1 |
$13.50 |
$14.00 |
50¢ |
| Chicago, IL (Youth15) |
July 1 |
$10.00 |
$11.00 |
$1.00 |
| Cook County, IL |
July 1 |
$13.00 |
TBD |
TBD |
| Maine |
January 1 |
$12.00 |
$12.15 |
15¢ |
| Portland, ME |
January 1 |
$12.00 |
$12.15 (State Law) |
15¢ |
| Maryland (≥15) |
January 1 |
$11.00 |
$11.75 |
75¢ |
| Maryland (≤14) |
January 1 |
$11.00 |
$11.60 |
60¢ |
| Montgomery County, MD (≥51) |
July 1 |
$14.00 |
$15.00 |
$1.00 |
| Montgomery County, MD (11-50 or ≥11 & Tax-Exempt, Home Health, or Community Based Service Provider) |
July 1 |
$13.25 |
$14.00 |
75¢ |
| Montgomery County, MD (≤10) |
July 1 |
$13.00 |
$13.50 |
50¢ |
| Massachusetts |
January 1 |
$12.75 |
$13.50 |
75¢ |
| Michigan |
January 1 |
$9.65 |
$9.87 |
22¢ |
| Minnesota ($500K Gross) |
January 1 |
$10.00 |
$10.08 |
8¢ |
| Minnesota (<$500K Gross & Certain Hotels, etc.) |
January 1 |
$8.15 |
$8.21 |
6¢ |
| Minneapolis, MN (≥101) |
July 1 |
$13.25 |
$14.25 |
$1.00 |
| Minneapolis, MN (≤100) |
July 1 |
$11.75 |
$12.50 |
75¢ |
| Saint Paul, MN16 (101-10,000) |
July 1 |
$11.50 |
$12.50 |
$1.00 |
| Saint Paul, MN (6-100) |
July 1 |
$10.00 |
$11.00 |
$1.00 |
| Saint Paul, MN (≤5) |
July 1 |
$9.25 |
$10.00 |
75¢ |
| Missouri |
January 1 |
$9.45 |
$10.30 |
85¢ |
| Montana |
January 1 |
$8.65 |
$8.75 |
10¢ |
| Nevada (No Health Benefits Offered) |
July 1 |
$9.00 |
$9.75 |
75¢ |
| Nevada (Health Benefits Offered) |
July 1 |
$8.00 |
$8.75 |
75¢ |
| New Jersey (General) |
January 1 |
$11.00 |
$12.00 |
$1.00 |
| New Jersey (Small or Seasonal Employer) |
January 1 |
$10.30 |
$11.10 |
80¢ |
| New Jersey (Farm Hourly or Piece Rate) |
January 1 |
$10.30 |
$10.30 |
No Change |
| New Jersey (Long-Term Care Facility Direct Care Staff) |
January 1, 2021 |
$14.00 |
$15.00 |
$1.00 |
| New Mexico |
January 1 |
$9.00 |
$10.50 |
$1.50 |
| Santa Fe, NM |
March 117 |
$12.10 |
TBD |
TBD |
| Santa Fe County (Unincorp.), NM |
March 1 |
$12.10 |
TBD |
TBD |
| New York18 (Non-NYC Fast Food) |
December 31, 2020 & July 1, 2021 |
$13.75 |
$14.50 & $15.00 |
75¢ & 50¢ |
| New York (Nassau, Suffolk & Westchester Counties) |
December 31, 2020 |
$13.00 |
$14.00 |
$1.00 |
| New York (Remainder of State) |
December 31, 2020 |
$11.80 |
$12.50 |
70¢ |
| Ohio |
January 1 |
$8.70 |
$8.80 |
10¢ |
| Oregon (Urban)19 |
July 1 |
$13.25 |
$14.00 |
75¢ |
| Oregon (General) |
July 1 |
$12.00 |
$12.75 |
75¢ |
| Oregon (Nonurban) |
July 1 |
$11.50 |
$12.00 |
50¢ |
| South Dakota |
January 1 |
$9.30 |
$9.45 |
15¢ |
| Vermont |
January 1 |
$10.96 |
$11.75 |
79¢ |
| Virginia |
May 1 |
$7.25 |
$9.50 |
$2.25 |
| Washington |
January 1 |
$13.50 |
$13.69 |
19¢ |
| SeaTac, WA |
January 1 |
$16.34 |
$16.57 |
23¢ |
| Seattle, WA (≥501) |
January 1 |
$16.39 |
$16.69 |
30¢ |
| Seattle, WA (≤500 Min. Wage) |
January 1 |
$13.50 |
$15.00 |
$1.50 |
| Seattle, WA (≤500 Min. Hourly Comp.)20 |
January 1 |
$15.75 |
$16.69 |
94¢ |
2021 Tipped Rate Increases
Next, we highlight state, counties, and cities where, for tipped employees, the minimum cash wage and/or tip credit will increase in 2021. Again, please note that: 1) if the rate(s) will not change, we do not include that information; 2) for this article we focus on the New York rates that will apply every day in 2021 except December 31, 2021; and 3) information concerning Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, and Las Cruces, New Mexico is not included in the below chart.
In certain places, employers may be able to count tips an employee receives toward the minimum wage. In these jurisdictions, if the direct wage and tips an employer pays an employee equals the minimum wage, an employer satisfies its minimum wage obligation. However, if the direct wage plus tips does not equal the minimum wage, an employer must pay the employee the difference. Directly below we highlight the minimum cash wage (MCW) that may be paid, and the maximum tip credit (TC) employers can claim, for covered tipped employees, as well as the amount of the increase. Please note that in the following states with 2021 rate increases, tip credits are prohibited (so they are not included below): Alaska; California; Minnesota; Montana; Nevada; New York (Employees outside the hospitality wage order only);Oregon; and Washington State. Finally, because New York has varying standards, we include the numbers in a standalone section after the below chart.
|
Jurisdiction |
Increase Date |
2020 MCW (or Pre-Change Rate21) |
2021 MCW |
2020 TC (or Pre-Rate Change) |
2021 TC |
| Arizona |
January 1 |
$9.00 |
$9.15 (15¢) |
$3.00 |
No Change |
| Flagstaff, AZ |
January 1 |
$10.00 |
$12.00 ($2.00) |
$3.00 |
No Change |
| Arkansas |
January 1 |
$2.63 |
No Change |
$7.37 |
$8.37 ($1.00) |
| Colorado |
January 1 |
$8.98 |
$9.30 (32¢) |
$3.02 |
No Change |
| Denver, CO |
January 1 |
$9.83 |
$11.75 ($1.92) |
$3.02 |
No Change |
| Connecticut (Hotel or Restaurant) |
August 1 |
$6.38 |
No Change |
$5.62 |
$6.62 ($1.00) |
| Connecticut (Bartender) |
August 1 |
$8.23 |
No Change |
$3.77 |
$4.77 ($1.00) |
| District of Columbia |
July 1 |
$5.00 |
TBD |
$10.00 |
TBD |
| Florida (also, see above) |
January 1 |
$5.54 |
$5.63 (9¢) & $6.98 ($1.35) |
$3.02 |
No Change |
| Illinois |
January 1 |
$6.00 |
$6.60 (60¢) |
$4.00 |
$4.40 (40¢) |
| Chicago, IL (≥21) |
July 1 |
$8.40 |
$9.00 (60¢) |
$5.60 |
$6.00 (40¢) |
| Chicago, IL (4-20) |
July 1 |
$8.10 |
$8.40 (30¢) |
$5.40 |
$5.60 (20¢) |
| Chicago, IL (Youth22) |
July 1 |
$6.00 |
$6.60 (60¢) |
$4.00 |
$4.4023 (40¢) |
| Cook County, IL |
July 1 |
$5.30 |
TBD |
$7.70 |
TBD |
| Maine |
January 1 |
$6.00 |
$6.08 (8¢) |
$6.00 |
$6.07 (7¢) |
| Portland, ME |
January 1 |
$6.00 |
$6.08 (8¢) (State Law) |
$6.00 |
$6.07 (7¢) (State Law) |
| Maryland (≥15) |
January 1 |
$3.63 |
No Change |
$7.37 |
$8.12 (75¢) |
| Maryland (≤14) |
January 1 |
$3.63 |
No Change |
$7.37 |
$7.97 (60¢) |
| Montgomery County, MD (≥51) |
July 1 |
$4.00 |
No Change |
$10.00 |
$11.00 ($1.00) |
| Montgomery County, MD (11-50 or ≥11 & Tax-Exempt, Home Health, or Community-Based Service Provider) |
July 1 |
$4.00 |
No Change |
$9.25 |
$10.00 (75¢) |
| Montgomery County, MD (≤10) |
July 1 |
$4.00 |
No Change |
$9.00 |
$9.50 (50¢) |
| Massachusetts |
January 1 |
$4.95 |
$5.55 (60¢) |
$7.80 |
$7.95 (15¢) |
| Michigan |
January 1 |
$3.67 |
$3.75 (08¢) |
$5.98 |
$6.12 (14¢) |
| Missouri |
January 1 |
$4.725 |
$5.15 (42.5¢) |
$4.725 |
$5.15 (42.5¢) |
| New Jersey24 |
January 1 |
$3.13 |
$4.13 ($1.00) |
$7.87 |
No Change |
| New Mexico |
January 1 |
$2.35 |
$2.55 (20¢) |
$6.65 |
$7.95 ($1.30) |
| Santa Fe, NM |
January 1 & March 1 |
$2.3525 |
$2.55 (20¢)26 & TBD |
$9.75 |
$9.55 (-20¢)27 & TBD |
| Santa Fe County (Unincorp.), NM |
March 1 |
$3.62 |
TBD |
$8.48 |
TBD |
| Ohio |
January 1 |
$4.35 |
$4.40 (5¢) |
$4.35 |
$4.40 (5¢) |
| South Dakota |
January 1 |
$4.65 |
$4.725 (7.25¢) |
$4.65 |
$4.725 (7.25¢) |
| Vermont |
January 1 |
$5.48 |
$5.88 (40¢) |
$5.48 |
$5.87 (39¢) |
| Virginia |
May 1 |
$2.13 |
No Change |
$5.12 |
$7.37 ($2.25) |
New York Tip Rates
Tipped employee standards can be more complicated in New York, so we give the Empire State its own section. First, we discuss generally applicable tip standards, then standards that apply in the hospitality industry, which vary depending on an employee’s role and the place of employment.
Note that some – but not all – New York rates will also increase on December 31, 2021. However, for this article we focus on the New York rates that will apply in every day in 202128 except December 31, 2021.
Generally (Outside Hospitality Wage Order): Beginning on December 31, 2020, employers cannot apply a tip credit, and employees must be paid the full minimum wage (see chart above).
Hospitality Industry
Service Employee: An employer must directly pay a service employee at least the hourly Cash Wage (CW), and cannot claim a tip credit that exceeds the hourly Tip Credit rate (TC). However, an employer’s ability to claim the tip credit is dependent on an employee’s weekly tip average equaling at least the hourly Tip Threshold (TT) (or TT(R) for resort hotel service employees) and an employee’s direct wage plus tips equaling or exceeding the minimum wage.
|
Jurisdiction |
Increase Date |
2020 MCW (or Pre-Change Rate29) |
2021 MCW |
2020 TC |
2021 TC |
| New York (Nassau, Suffolk & Westchester Counties) |
December 31, 2020 |
$10.85 |
$11.65 (80¢) |
$2.15 |
$2.35 (20¢) |
| New York (Remainder of State) |
December 31, 2020 |
$9.85 |
$10.40 (55¢) |
$1.95 |
$2.10 (15¢) |
|
Jurisdiction |
Increase Date |
2020 TT (or Pre-Change Rate30) |
2021 TT |
2020 TT(R) |
2021 TT(R) |
| New York (Nassau, Suffolk & Westchester Counties) |
December 31, 2020 |
$2.80 |
$3.05 (25¢) |
$7.30 |
$7.85 (55¢) |
| New York (Remainder of State) |
December 31, 2020 |
$2.55 |
$2.70 (15¢) |
$6.60 |
$7.00 (40¢) |
Food Service Worker: A food service worker must receive a wage of at least the hourly Cash Wage (CW), and a tip credit cannot exceed the below-specified hourly rate provided the total of tips received plus the wages equals or exceeds the hourly total minimum wage rate (MW). Employers cannot claim a tip credit for fast food employees.
|
Jurisdiction |
Increase Date |
2020 MCW (or Pre-Change Rate31) |
2021 MCW |
2020 TC |
2021 TC |
| New York (Nassau, Suffolk & Westchester Counties) |
December 31, 2020 |
$8.65 |
$9.35 (70¢) |
$4.35 |
$4.65 (30¢) |
| New York (Remainder of State) |
December 31, 2020 |
$7.85 |
$8.35 (50¢) |
$3.95 |
$4.15 (20¢) |
Exempt Employees
Notwithstanding the minimum amount32 employers must pay executive, administrative, and professional employees for these workers to be exempt from the federal Fair Labor Standards Act’s (FLSA) minimum wage and overtime requirements, currently at least seven states have pay requirements that will exceed the revised federal standard in 2021: Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, New York State (executive or administrative),33 Pennsylvania, and Washington State. Of course, it remains possible other states could join this list.
Under some state laws, these employees are exempt only from overtime requirements, meaning employers must pay them at least the state minimum wage for all hours worked, and many of these state minimum wage rates will increase in 2021. Additionally, in 2021, there will be state law increases in the minimum hourly pay required to qualify for the state-law equivalent of the FLSA’s 7(i) retail or service establishment overtime exemption for employees paid commissions. Below we discuss these pay-related 2021 changes.
Executive, Administrative, or Professional Exemption Minimum Pay Increases
Under the FLSA, to be a bona fide executive, administrative, or professional employee, employer must compensate the individual on a salary or fee basis (only for administrative and professional employees) at least $684 per week, excluding board, lodging, or other facilities. Employers may translate the $684 a week amount into equivalent amounts for periods longer than one week: $1,368 (Bi-weekly); $1,482 (Semi-monthly); $2,964 (Monthly); $35,568 (Annual). Various states’ minimum salary or fee amounts exceed the federal rate, and in 2021, these pay requirements will change.
Note that the some – but not all34 – New York rates will also increase on December 31, 2021, but for this article we focus on the New York rates that will apply every day in 2021 except December 31, 2021.
|
Jurisdiction |
2020 Annual |
2021 Annual |
2020 Monthly |
2021 Monthly |
2020 Weekly |
2021 Weekly |
| Alaska35 |
$42,390.40 |
$43,014.40 |
$3,532.53 |
$3,584.53 |
$815.20 |
$827.20 |
| California36 (≥26) |
$54,080 |
$58,240 |
$4,506.67 |
$4,853.34 |
$1,040 |
$1,120 |
| California (≤25) |
$49,920 |
$54,080 |
$4,160 |
$4,506.67 |
$960 |
$1,040 |
| Colorado37 |
$35,568 |
$40,500.2038 |
$2,964 |
$3,375.0239 |
$684 |
$778.85 |
| Maine41 |
>$36,000 |
>$36,450 |
>$3,000 |
>$3,027.50 |
>$692.30 |
>$700.96 |
| New York41 (Nassau, Suffolk & Westchester Counties) |
$50,700 |
$54,600 |
$4,225 |
$4,550 |
$975 |
$1,050 |
| New York (Remainder of State) |
$46,020 |
$48,750 |
$3,835 |
$4,062.50 |
$885 |
$937.50 |
| Pennsylvania |
$35,568 |
$40,560 |
$2,964 |
$3,380 |
$684 |
$780 |
| Washington State (≥51) |
$35,100 |
$49,831.60 |
$2,925 |
$4,152.64 |
$675 |
$958.30 |
| Washington State (≤50) |
$35,100 |
$42,712.80 |
$2,925 |
$3,559.40 |
$675 |
$821.40 |
Computer & Medical Professional Minimum Pay Increases
In various states, the pay rates for exempt computer employees will continue to, or for the first time exceed, the rate the federal FLSA requires:
- California: The law provides that certain computer software employees are exempt from state overtime requirements if they receive a minimum hourly, monthly, or yearly rate, which is determined annually based on cost-of-living changes. Effective January 1, 2021, the computer software employee minimum hourly rate will increase from $46.55 to $47.48 per hour, the minimum monthly salary amount will increase from $8,080.71 to $8,242.32, and the minimum annual salary amount will increase from $96,968.33 to $98,907.70.
- Colorado: Employees in highly technical computer-related occupations must receive at least the lesser of the applicable salary noted above or hourly pay that is at least $28.38 in 2021.
- Washington State: 2021 will mark the first complete calendar year in which exempt computer employees paid on an hourly basis earn more than the FLSA’s $27.63 per hour rate. From July 1 through December 31, 2020, the hourly rate for employees was the same as the FLSA rate if the employee worked for an employer with 50 or fewer employees. However, on January 1, 2021, the rate will increase to 2.75 times the $13.69 per hour state minimum wage: $37.6475. If in the latter half of 2020 a computer employee worked for an employer with 51 or more employees, the pay rate was 2.75 times the then-applicable $13.50 per hour minimum wage: $37.125 per hour. However, in 2021 there will be an increase to both the multiplier (3.5) and the minimum wage ($13.69), producing a rate of $47.915 per hour.
California law also provides that licensed physicians and surgeons are exempt from state overtime requirements if they receive a minimum hourly rate, which is determined annually based on cost-of-living changes. Effective January 1, 2021, for licensed physicians and surgeons, the minimum hourly rate of pay will increase from $84.79 to $86.49.
White Collar Employees Covered by Minimum Wage
In various states, executive, administrative, or professional employees are exempt from state overtime requirements, but not exempt from state minimum wage requirements. In these jurisdictions, such employees must earn at least the applicable minimum wage for each hour worked in a workweek. The minimum wage in some of these states will increase on January 1, 2021:42 Arizona ($12.15); Illinois ($11.00); Massachusetts ($13.50); New Jersey ($12.00 under the general rate; $11.10 for small employers; $10.30 for seasonal employers); and South Dakota ($9.45). Additionally, on May 1, the Virginia minimum wage will increase to $9.50 per hour, and on July 1, the Nevada minimum wage will increase to $9.75 or $8.75 per hour, depending on whether an employer offers health benefits. Note that in two aforementioned states – Arizona and Illinois – local minimum wage rates may apply (see above).
Additionally, in a handful of states, outside sales employees are not exempt from state minimum wage requirements. In these jurisdictions, such employees must earn at least the applicable minimum wage for each hour worked in a workweek. The minimum wage in some of these states will increase in 2021,43 e.g., in Arizona the minimum wage will increase to $12.15 on January 1, and on July 1 the Nevada minimum wage will increase to $9.75 or $8.75 per hour, depending on whether an employer offers health benefits. Note that in Arizona, local minimum wage rates may apply (see above).
Commissioned Employee Overtime Exemption
To qualify under the FLSA’s 7(i) overtime exception, the regular rate of pay for an employee of a retail or service establishment must exceed one-and-a-half times the federal minimum wage, and more than half the employee’s compensation for a representative period (not less than one month) must represent commissions on goods or services. In the following states with 2020 rate changes, the 7(i)-type exemption requires – in part – an employee’s pay to either equal or exceed one-and-a-half times the state minimum wage.44
California: An employee’s earnings must exceed one-and-a-half times the state minimum wage, which on January 1, 2021, will increase to $14.00 per hour for employers with 26 or more employees and to $13.00 per hour for employees with 25 or fewer employees.
Colorado: An employee’s regular rate of pay must be at least one-and-a-half times the state minimum wage, which on January 1, 2021, will increase to $12.32 per hour.
Connecticut: An employee’s regular rate of pay must exceed two times the state minimum wage, which on August 1, 2021, will increase to $13.00 per hour.
District of Columbia: An employee’s regular rate of pay must exceed one-and-a-half times the district minimum wage, which on July 1, 2021, will be annually adjusted from its current $15.00 per hour rate.
Minnesota: An employee’s regular rate of pay must exceed one-and-a-half times the state minimum wage, which on January 1, 2021, will increase to $10.08 per hour for employers with $500,000 in annual gross sales, and to $8.21 per hour for employers with less than $500,000 in annual gross sales, and certain hotels.
Nevada: An employee’s regular rate must exceed one-and-a-half times the state minimum wage, which on July 1, 2021, will increase to $9.75 per hour if an employer does not offer health benefits or $8.75 per hour if an employer offers health benefits.
New York: The general wage order45 provides – in part – that employers must pay an employee for overtime at a wage rate of one-and-one-half times the employee’s regular rate in the manner and methods provided in and subject to the exemptions of section 7 of the FLSA. However, it is unclear whether employers must base payment on the federal or state minimum wage. If the state minimum wage, the wage rate will increase on December 31, 2020. In New York City, the minimum wage will remain $15.00, whereas the minimum wage in Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties will increase to $14.00, and, in the remainder of New York State, the minimum wage will increase to $12.50. Please note the some New York rates may also increase on December 31, 2021.
Oregon: An employee’s regular rate of pay must exceed one-and-a-half times the state minimum wage, which on July 1, 2021, will increase to $14.00 per hour (urban), $12.75 per hour (general), and $12.00 per hour (non-urban).
Washington: An employee’s regular rate of pay must exceed one-and-a-half times the state minimum wage, which on January 1, 2021, will increase to $13.69 per hour.
Hide Footnotes
1 For more information, see Natalie Storch and Kimberly Doud, Florida Passes Amendment 2, Gradually Increasing Florida’s Minimum Wage to $15 an Hour, Littler ASAP (Nov. 9, 2020).
2 Although we include examples of industry-specific minimum wage rates, this article’s primary purpose is to discuss rate changes that affect employers generally, so it may not necessarily cover all industry-specific rate changes; nor does this article discuss industry laws’ coverage requirements.
Chronologically, the increases will occur as follows: November 1, 2020: New Jersey (Long-Term Care Facility Direct Care Staff); December 31, 2020: New York (Nassau, Suffolk & Westchester Counties; Remainder of State; Fast Food Worker Outside New York City). January 1, 2021: Alaska, Arizona (incl. Flagstaff), Arkansas, California (incl. Belmont, Burlingame, Cupertino, Daly City, El Cerrito, Half Moon Bay, Hayward, Los Altos, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Novato, Oakland (Gen.), Palo Alto, Petaluma, Redwood City, Richmond, San Carlos, San Diego, San Jose, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Rosa, Sonoma, South San Francisco, Sunnyvale), Colorado (incl. Denver), Florida, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico (incl. Albuquerque, Bernalillo County (Unincorp.), Las Cruces), Ohio, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington (incl. SeaTac & Seattle). March 1, 2021: Santa Fe and Santa Fe County (Unincorporated), NM. May 1, 2021: Virginia. July 1, 2021: Berkeley, Emeryville, Fremont, Long Beach (Hotel), Los Angeles, Los Angeles County (Unincorp.), Malibu, Milpitas, Oakland (Hotel), Pasadena, San Francisco, and Santa Monica, CA, D.C., Chicago & Cook County, IL, Portland, ME, Montgomery County, MD, Minneapolis and Saint Paul, MN (101-10,000, ≤100, ≤5 employees), Nevada, New York (Fast Food Worker Outside New York City), and Oregon. August 1, 2021: Connecticut. September 30, 2021: Florida.
3 This includes any rate that would be in effect before the scheduled increase in 2021.
4 The minimum wage for employers with 26 or more employees remains $15.00 per hour.
5 The minimum wage for employers with 26 or more employees remains $15.00 per hour.
6 The minimum wage for employers with 26 or more employees remains $15.00 per hour.
7 At the time of publication, Oakland had not announced its adjusted 2021 hotel-worker-specific minimum wage rates. Employers with operations subject to this rate should monitor the following city webpage: https://www.oaklandca.gov/topics/measure-ff-and-measure-z.
8 The minimum wage for employers with 26 or more employees remains $15.00 per hour.
9 If an employer pays at least $1.50 per hour per employee towards an employee medical benefits plan, which allows the employee to receive employer-compensated care from a licensed physician, the employer can pay employees $1.50 per hour less than the minimum wage. Richmond, CA Code § 7.108.040.
10 Notwithstanding the available credit (see previous footnote), employers must comply with local and state law. As the state minimum wage for employers with 26 or more employees will be $14.00 per hour, such employers will be unable to claim the full local credit without violating state law. However, employers subject to the lower $13.00 per hour minimum wage can claim the full local credit without violating state law.
11 San Jose has a separate rate for youth training program participants, which the city sets in an approved application and remains valid for one year.
12 The minimum wage for employers with 26 or more employees remains $15.00 per hour.
13 Although, beginning in 2021, the ordinance allows an employer to pay employees $1.50 per hour less than the applicable local minimum wage if they pay at least $1.50 per hour per employee towards an employee medical benefits plan, employers must also comply with state law, so the credit cannot cause an employee’s wage to drop below the state minimum wage. On the Sonoma City Council November 16, 2020 agenda was “Discussion, Consideration and Possible Action on Provisions of the City’s Minimum Wage Ordinance Regarding the Health Benefits Credit.”
14 Although, beginning in 2021, the ordinance allows an employer to pay employees $1.50 per hour less than the applicable local minimum wage if they pay at least $1.50 per hour per employee towards an employee medical benefits plan, employers must also comply with state law, so the credit cannot cause an employee’s wage to drop below the state minimum wage. On the Sonoma City Council November 16, 2020 agenda was “Discussion, Consideration and Possible Action on Provisions of the City’s Minimum Wage Ordinance Regarding the Health Benefits Credit.”
15 Subsidized Temporary Youth / Transitional Employment Program – Under 18 Years Old.
16 In 2021, the separate rate for employers with 10,001 or more employees will remain $12.50 per hour.
17 Although the ordinance uses “Beginning January 1, 2009, and each year therafter [sic]. . . .” the City of Santa Fe has routinely adjusted its rate on March 1. See Santa Fe, NM Code § 28-1.5(B).
18 Employers subject to the state minimum wage that applies in New York City – generally or for fast food worker rate – will not see an increase in 2021, as both rates will remain $15.00 per hour.
19 The “Urban” rate applies to employer located within the urban growth boundary of a metropolitan service district organized under state law (i.e., Portland area). The “Nonurban” rate applies to employers located within a nonurban county. Nonurban Counties include: Baker; Coos; Crook; Curry; Douglas; Gilliam; Grant; Harney; Jefferson; Klamath; Lake; Malheur; Morrow; Sherman; Umatilla; Union; Wallowa; and Wheeler. The “General” rate applies in areas not covered by the “Urban” or “Nonurban” rates. Or. Rev. Stat. § 653.025.
20 In Seattle, “hourly minimum compensation” represents the minimum wage plus tips actually received by an employee and reported to the IRS, and money paid by the employer towards an individual employee’s medical benefits plan. Employers can satisfy this obligation through wages (including applicable commissions, piece-rate, and bonuses), tips, and medical benefits.
21 This includes any rate that would be in effect before the scheduled increase in 2021.
22 Subsidized Temporary Youth / Transitional Employment Program – Under 18 Years Old.
23 The rules only discuss the July 1, 2020 minimum cash wage; here we apply the math for the July 1, 2020 rate to future rates.
24 Although a lower minimum wage rate applies for employees of small or seasonal employers, the state labor department contends that the general minimum wage rate applies to a covered tipped employee thereof. Note, however, that the legislative history suggests the general minimum wage rate only applies to tipped employees of seasonal employers. Nevertheless, for the purpose of this article, the rates above use those the state labor department contend apply. Small employers with tipped employees should consult employment counsel when determining the rate to pay tipped employees.
25 Neither the ordinance, nor accompanying posters, state the minimum cash wage and maximum tip credit. However, currently under state law, employers must pay covered tipped employees a minimum cash wage of $2.35 per hour.
26 Previous amendments to state law will affect employers covered by state and local law because the state minimum cash wage will increase to $2.55 per hour on January 1, 2021.
27 The maximum tip credit temporarily decreases because the local minimum wage rate will not change on January 1, 2021, but the state minimum cash wage, which applies to employers covered by state and local law, will increase on January 1, 2021.
28 Under the Hospitality Wage Order, the service employee rates applicable in New York City will not change on December 31, 2020. They will remain $15.00 (minimum wage), $2.50 (maximum tip credit), $12.50 (minimum cash wage), $3.25 (tip threshold), $8.40 (tip threshold resort hotel). Similarly, for food service workers, the rates will remain $15.00 (minimum wage), $5.00 (maximum tip credit), and $10.00 (minimum cash wage).
29 This includes any rate that would be in effect before the scheduled increase in 2021.
30 This includes any rate that would be in effect before the scheduled increase in 2021.
31 This includes any rate that would be in effect before the scheduled increase in 2021.
32 Up to 10% of the federal salary amount may be satisfied via nondiscretionary bonuses, incentives and commissions that employers pay annually or more frequently. However, this article only addresses the salary or fee amount and does not address whether or how employers may use other compensation sources to satisfy exempt employee pay requirements. Employers with questions concerning this issue should consult counsel.
33 Until the FLSA rate increased in 2020, Connecticut, Iowa, and Oregon may have had greater rates. Additionally, in Oregon, it is possible the amount might again exceed the FLSA rate at a later date because the standard relies on the state minimum wage, which will increase on July 1, 2021, and 2022, and, beginning July 1, 2023, and each subsequent July, will annually adjust based on consumer price index changes.
34 The state rate that applies in New York City will remain unchanged at $58,500 (annually), $4,875 (monthly), and $1,125 (weekly).
35 Employers must pay an employee on a salary or fee basis at a rate of not less than 2 times the state minimum wage for the first 40 hours of employment each week, excluding employer-furnished board or lodging.
36 An employee must earn a monthly salary equivalent to no less than 2 times the state minimum wage for full-time employment (employment in which an employee is employed for 40 hours per week).
37 An executive, supervisor, administrative, or professional employee must be paid a salary that is at least the level listed and sufficient for the minimum wage for all hours in a workweek. In 2021, the Colorado minimum wage will be $12.32 per hour.
38 In the COMPS Order, the weekly and annual salary amounts may not perfectly align, so the “math” (M) rate (multiplying weekly by 52 and making further division) and “rule” (R) rate (dividing rule’s annual rate) alternate being the highest possible rate. In 2021, the (M) rate exceeds the (R) rate of $40,500.
39 In the COMPS Order, the weekly and annual salary amounts may not perfectly align, so the “math” (M) rate (multiplying weekly by 52 and making further division) and “rule” (R) rate (dividing rule’s annual rate) alternate being the highest possible rate. In 2021, the (M) rate exceeds the (R) rate of $3,375.
40 An employee’s regular compensation, when converted to an annual rate, must exceed 3,000 times the state minimum wage or the annualized FLSA rate set by the U.S. Labor Department, whichever is higher.
41 Employers must pay an executive or administrative employee a specific weekly salary, including board, lodging, or other allowances and facilities.
42 Other states that require employers to pay these employers the minimum wage, but which will not experience a minimum wage increase in 2021, include: Georgia ($5.15); New Hampshire ($7.25); North Dakota ($7.25); Rhode Island ($11.50); Utah ($7.25); and Wisconsin ($7.25).
43 Other states that require employers to pay these employers the minimum wage, but which will not experience a minimum wage increase in 2021, include: Georgia ($5.15); Nebraska ($9.00); and North Dakota ($7.25).
44 Similar requirements exist in Indiana, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, but the minimum wage in each state is the same as the FLSA rate: $7.25 per hour.
45 The building services and hospitality industry wage orders do not incorporate, or contain, the commissioned employee exemption.
Until Next Time,
Lisa Smith, SPHR
About LISA SMITH, SPHR
Lisa Smith, SPHR, SHRM – SCP Certified EEO Investigator (EEOC) Lead Support and Content Chief – HelpDeskforHR.com “You cannot be audit-proof, but you can Be Audit-Secure.”
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