Minimum Wage Increases July 24

July 24 is a good day if you are earning minimum wage. According to the US Wage and Hour Division, last year the minimum wage in the US rose to $5.85. And this year minimum wage will go up another 12-percent to $6.55. Next year on July 24, the rate will increase to $7.25.

I remember when I first joined the workforce selling women’s clothes at Sears, I was earning $4.75 an hour. I also remember when minimum wage jumped up to $5.15 an hour and how good that felt. It’s pretty amazing to think that last year’s increase to $5.85 was the first increase to the US minimum wage in a decade. Take a look at this website that lists the Federal minimum wage history. Many states have their own minimum wage. Take a look at this list and see how your state compares. Do you remember how much minimum wage was when you started your first job?