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Minimum Wage in Georgia

Georgia's state minimum wage is $5.15 per hour, but employers covered by federal law must pay $7.25, and the state law does not cover tipped employees, so the federal $2.13 cash wage applies.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

Georgia at a glance

Minimum wage (per hour)
$7.25 (federal rate; state rate $5.15)
The $5.15 state rate covers only employers of 6 or more not subject to the federal FLSA.
Tipped cash wage (per hour)
$2.13 (federal rate)
State law excludes employees paid wholly or partly in gratuities.
Next scheduled increase
None scheduled

Sources

Last checked

The rules in Georgia

What is the minimum wage in Georgia in 2026?

Minimum wage (per hour) in Georgia: $7.25 (federal rate; state rate $5.15). The $5.15 state rate covers only employers of 6 or more not subject to the federal FLSA.

What is the minimum cash wage for tipped employees in Georgia?

Tipped cash wage (per hour) in Georgia: $2.13 (federal rate). State law excludes employees paid wholly or partly in gratuities.

When is the next minimum wage increase in Georgia?

Next scheduled increase in Georgia: None scheduled.

Where do the Georgia minimum wage laws come from?

The rules above come from Ga. Code 34-4-3. Each source is linked on this page. We last checked them in October 2026.

What this means in practice

Check which rate applies before setting pay. Coverage rules, employer size thresholds, and exemptions for certain jobs or industries differ, and a local ordinance may require more than the state rate. The statute linked on each state page is the starting point.

Where a lower tipped cash wage is allowed, the employer usually must make up the difference whenever tips fall short of the full minimum wage for the pay period. Keeping accurate records of hours worked and tips reported helps show that every pay period met the minimum.

Rates can change on fixed dates, often January 1 or July 1, and some states adjust them each year for inflation. Reviewing pay rates, offer letters, and employment contracts ahead of each scheduled change helps avoid underpayment claims.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.