In the United States, there is a Federal minimum wage, but individual states can also set their own minimum wage. In this short blog post, we will talk about the minimum wage in Georgia, one of the fastest-growing states in the country.
Suppose an organization or an employee is not excluded from the Minimum Wage requirement by either state or federal law. In that case, the employer is obligated to pay an employee at least the minimum wage for services provided during a certain time period. This minimum wage amount is non-negotiable, meaning no individual or collective agreements can nullify it.
Minimum wage legislation aims to provide the working poor and other vulnerable members of society a fair chance to make ends meet while still working and contributing to the economic prosperity of the country.
What is the Minimum Wage in Georgia?
In the state of Georgia, the hourly state minimum wage is $5.15. But employees can receive $7.25 hourly as this is the rate that is currently in effect as the Federal Minimum Wage (considering a 40-hr work week).
The vast majority of workers in Georgia can earn at least the state's minimum wage, with a few significant exclusions, including workers who are paid in tips, certain student workers, and certain exempt jobs and individuals.
Companies in Georgia that employ six people or more must comply with the state's minimum wage regulations. As a result of Georgia's minimum payment being less than that of the federal minimum wage, as well as the fact that it has not been updated in a considerable amount of time, the minimum wage in Georgia is no longer in effect. The minimum wage that is set by the federal government is the standard in Georgia.
According to the FLSA or Fair Labor Standards Act, an employee can receive the higher option between their state minimum wage and federal minimum wage.
Exemptions
Following are exempted from receiving minimum wage in Georgia:
- Executives with a salary of more than $684 weekly
- Artists earning more than $684 weekly
- Employees that are heavily compensated and earn upwards of $107,432 yearly
- Sales employees not from Georgia
- Employees working in IT or admin earning more than $684 weekly
Georgia Weekly Minimum Wage
In Georgia, an employee can earn a minimum wage of $290 weekly, considering a 40-hour work time weekly and a 52-week year.
Georgia Overtime Minimum Wage
In Georgia, anyone working upwards of 40 hours a week every week must be compensated 1.5 times the current relevant minimum wage.
For any and all hours spent above what is considered "normal" work time, the FLSA guarantees that all Georgia employees will be compensated fairly.
If your employer is not paying you the appropriate overtime wages, you have the right to submit a complaint to the Georgian State Department of Labor.
The following are exempted from receiving overtime minimum wage in Georgia:
- Executives with a salary of more than $684 weekly
- Artists earning more than $684 weekly
- Employees that are heavily compensated and earn upwards of $107,432 yearly
- Sales employees not from Georgia
- Employees working in IT or admin earning more than $684 weekly
Georgia Tipped Minimum Wage
Georgia's minimum wage of $5.15 per hour does not apply to employees who are compensated through tips. Employees who earn more than $2.13 per hour in tips are subject to the regulations set forth by the federal government as a result.
Even though tips are greatly appreciated, a tipped worker still needs to make at least $7.25 per hour. If the hourly rate of a worker who is compensated by tips is lower than $7.25, the shortfall in pay must be made up by the employer.
What is Sub Minimum Wage in Georgia?
According to federal law, employees in the state of Georgia who are under the age of 20 and have worked less than 90 days on the job are eligible to receive a wage of $4.25 per hour, and employers are mandated to pay them that amount.
After that point in time (or whenever the worker reaches the age of 20), they are eligible for the federal minimum wage, which is currently set at $7.25 per hour.
On the other hand, students attending school full-time are eligible for a pay equivalent to 85 percent of the minimum wage, regardless of whether they work in retail agriculture or at an educational institution.
Requirements and Specifications
First and foremost, a working certificate is required for any company that has the intention of employing a full-time student. In addition, businesses that want to hire full-time students must be conscious of the fact that full-time students are only allowed to work for a set number of hours per week.
When classes are in session, full-time students are only allowed to be employed for a maximum of 20 hours per week (eight hours per day), but when school is not in session, they can work for up to 40 hours per week (ten hours per day).
How is Georgia's Minimum Wage Different from the Federal Minimum Wage?
The minimum wage required by the state of Georgia in 2023 is the lowest among all 50 states. On the other hand, the vast majority of workers will either be paid more than the federal minimum wage or at least at the same level. To ensure that Georgia workers are able to meet their basic needs, the wages offered by many of the state's most important cities have been raised. In addition, Georgia has a minimum wage that is different for workers who get tips.
In the state of Georgia, businesses are not allowed to pay their employees less than $7.25 per hour unless you and/or your particular job are exempt from the minimum wage within federal or state law.
Employers in the state of Georgia are required to display an official minimum wage poster in a location where all employees can see it. This requirement aims to inform workers about the minimum wage and their rights under Georgia labor law.
Both the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Georgian labor law mandate that all employers in Georgia visibly showcase an authorized Georgia minimum wage poster as well as additional Georgia and federal labor code posters. Those who fail to comply with the state of Georgia's posting requirements for labor law posters will be subject to legal action.
Who Qualifies for Minimum Wages in Georgia?
The following are qualified for receiving the Minimum Wages in Georgia, but since the FLSA overrides this rule, they will receive $7.25:
- Employees in a company with less than 6 employees
- Employees working in a domestic environment
- Employees working in farms and agriculture
- Employees working in NGOs and organizations dedicated to serving disabled adults and children
- Employees that receive tips
- College and high school students
Historical Change of Minimum Wage in Georgia
Year | Minimum Wage Amount in USD |
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 | 6.25 |
2007 | 5.15 |
2006 | 5.15 |
2005 | 5.15 |
2004 | 5.15 |
2003 | 5.15 |
2002 | 5.15 |
2001 | 5.15 |
2000 | 3.25 |
1999 | 3.25 |
1998 | 3.25 |
1997 | 3.25 |
1996 | 3.25 |
1995 | 3.25 |
1994 | 3.25 |
1993 | 3.25 |
1992 | 3.25 |
1991 | 3.25 |
1990 | 3.25 |
1989 | 3.25 |
1988 | 3.25 |
1987 | 3.25 |
1986 | 3.25 |
1985 | 3.25 |
1984 | 3.25 |
1983 | 1.25 |
