Georgia Minimum Wage (2026)
Georgia’s minimum wage matches the federal $7.25 — the state sets no higher rate of its own. Tipped: tipped minimum $2.13. Next change: no increase currently scheduled.
The minimum wage in Georgia is $7.25/hour in 2026 (effective July 24, 2009).
- Minimum wage$7.25
- Tipped minimum$2.13
- Next scheduled changeNone scheduled
- Full-time annual (40 hrs/wk)$15,080
Source: state labor department / U.S. DOL, verified July 2026.
Scheduled future increases
None. Georgia has no future increase written into law; the rate changes only by legislation or ballot measure.
Georgia vs. neighboring states
| State | Minimum wage | vs. Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | $14.00 | +$6.75 |
| Alabama | $7.25 | same |
| Tennessee | $7.25 | same |
| North Carolina | $7.25 | same |
| South Carolina | $7.25 | same |
Georgia minimum wage history
| Year | Rate |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $5.15 |
| 2025 | $5.15 |
| 2024 | $5.15 |
| 2023 | $5.15 |
| 2022 | $5.15 |
| 2021 | $5.15 |
| 2020 | $5.15 |
| 2019 | $5.15 |
| 2018 | $5.15 |
| 2017 | $5.15 |
| 2016 | $5.15 |
| 2015 | $5.15 |
| 2014 | $5.15 |
| 2013 | $5.15 |
| 2012 | $5.15 |
| 2011 | $5.15 |
| 2010 | $5.15 |
| 2009 | $5.15 |
| 2008 | $5.15 |
| 2007 | $5.15 |
| 2006 | $5.15 |
| 2005 | $5.15 |
| 2004 | $5.15 |
| 2003 | $5.15 |
| 2002 | $5.15 |
| 2001 | $3.25 |
| 2000 | $3.25 |
Historical rates from the U.S. DOL year-by-year tables (January snapshots; mid-year changes appear in the following year’s row).
Carve-outs & details
State minimum is $5.15 (employers of 6+; excludes FLSA-covered work), so federal $7.25 governs nearly all employment. State law does not apply to tipped employees. History shows the state-law rate, not the effective federal rate.
Frequently asked questions
What is minimum wage in Georgia in 2026?
$7.25 per hour, effective July 24, 2009. This is the federal rate; the state sets no higher minimum of its own.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Georgia?
The base cash wage for tipped workers is $2.13; tips must bring total pay to at least the full minimum, or the employer makes up the difference.
When does Georgia's minimum wage go up next?
No future increase is currently written into law; a change would require new legislation or a ballot measure.
How much is full-time minimum wage in Georgia per year?
At 40 hours/week for 52 weeks, $7.25/hour is $15,080 per year before taxes.
Sources & methodology
Sources: Georgia labor department · U.S. DOL consolidated table · U.S. DOL historical tables.
Verified against the state labor agency and U.S. DOL, July 2026. Wage law has industry- and size-specific exceptions; confirm your situation with the state agency.