Did You Know the Federal Minimum Wage Hasn’t Changed Since 2009

 

Is the Minimum Wage Livable in The U.S.?

The federal minimum wage in the United States has remained at $7.25 per hour since July 24, 2009. This marks the longest period without an increase since the wage was established in 1938. Over the past 16 years, the cost of living has risen significantly, diminishing the purchasing power of minimum wage earners.

In 2025, a full-time worker earning the federal minimum wage would make approximately $15,080 annually, falling below the federal poverty line of $15,650 for a single individual. For families, the gap is even more pronounced.

While the federal rate remains unchanged, many states and cities have implemented higher minimum wages. As of 2025, 21 states have increased their minimum wages, impacting over 9.2 million workers and raising total pay by $5.7 billion.

Despite these state-level changes, approximately 20 states still adhere to the federal minimum wage, leaving many workers struggling to meet basic needs.

Efforts to raise the federal minimum wage have been met with political challenges. The Raise the Wage Act of 2025 proposes increasing the federal minimum wage to $17 by 2030, which would benefit over 22 million workers.

Public support for increasing the minimum wage is strong. A 2019 Pew Research Center survey found that 67% of Americans favored raising the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour.

The stagnation of the federal minimum wage has significant implications for low-wage workers, contributing to poverty and financial insecurity. As the cost of living continues to rise, the debate over increasing the federal minimum wage remains a critical issue for policymakers and the public alike.