Iowa Minimum Wage (2026)
Iowa’s minimum wage matches the federal $7.25 — the state sets no higher rate of its own, effective July 24, 2009. Tipped: tipped minimum $4.35. Next change: no increase currently scheduled.
The minimum wage in Iowa is $7.25/hour in 2026 (effective July 24, 2009).
- Minimum wage$7.25
- Tipped minimum$4.35
- 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. Iowa has no future increase written into law; the rate changes only by legislation or ballot measure.
Iowa vs. neighboring states
| State | Minimum wage | vs. Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $11.41 | +$4.16 |
| Wisconsin | $7.25 | same |
| Illinois | $15.00 | +$7.75 |
| Missouri | $15.00 | +$7.75 |
| Nebraska | $15.00 | +$7.75 |
Iowa minimum wage history
| Year | Rate |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $7.25 |
| 2025 | $7.25 |
| 2024 | $7.25 |
| 2023 | $7.25 |
| 2022 | $7.25 |
| 2021 | $7.25 |
| 2020 | $7.25 |
| 2019 | $7.25 |
| 2018 | $7.25 |
| 2017 | $7.25 |
| 2016 | $7.25 |
| 2015 | $7.25 |
| 2014 | $7.25 |
| 2013 | $7.25 |
| 2012 | $7.25 |
| 2011 | $7.25 |
| 2010 | $7.25 |
| 2009 | $7.25 |
| 2008 | $7.25 |
| 2007 | $5.15 |
| 2006 | $5.15 |
| 2005 | $5.15 |
| 2004 | $5.15 |
| 2003 | $5.15 |
| 2002 | $5.15 |
| 2001 | $5.15 |
| 2000 | $5.15 |
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 reached $7.25 in 2008, ahead of federal. Tipped = 40% of minimum ($4.35 cash, credit $2.90). County ordinances (Johnson, Linn, Polk, Wapello) preempted by 2017 state law - superseded, not listed as active locals.
Frequently asked questions
What is minimum wage in Iowa 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 Iowa?
The base cash wage for tipped workers is $4.35; tips must bring total pay to at least the full minimum, or the employer makes up the difference.
When does Iowa'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 Iowa per year?
At 40 hours/week for 52 weeks, $7.25/hour is $15,080 per year before taxes.
Sources & methodology
Sources: Iowa 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.