How Much Will the Minimum Wage in the United States Earn in 2025? Complete State-by-State Analysis

The Reality of the Minimum Wage in the United States in 2025

Unlike Brazil, which adopts a single national minimum wage, the United States operates with a fragmented and decentralized system. The federal minimum wage is set at US$ 7.25 per hour — a rate frozen since 2009 — but this is only the baseline. States, counties, and even municipalities have the autonomy to establish their own minimum wages, creating a significant disparity: workers can earn from US$ 5.15 up to US$ 17.50 per hour, depending on where they work.

For Brazilians planning to move or work in the US, it is crucial to understand that this fragmentation directly impacts financial viability. Cities with a high cost of living, such as New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Washington DC, have implemented substantially higher minimum wages to keep up with local inflation.

State Minimum Wages: A Map of Inequality

The minimum wage table in the United States reveals considerable regional disparities in 2025:

Highest Minimum Wages

• Washington DC: US$ 17.50/h — the highest in the country
• Washington (state): US$ 16.66/h
• California: US$ 16.50/h (with overtime rules: 1.5x after 8 hours daily, 2x after 12 hours)
• New York: US$ 15.50 to US$ 16.50/h (depending on metropolitan region)

Lower Minimum Wages

• Georgia and Wyoming: US$ 5.15/h (but the federal minimum of US$ 7.25 effectively applies to most occupations)

This variation creates contrasting scenarios: a worker in Washington DC can earn 3.4 times more per hour than another in Georgia, even performing similar roles.

From Hourly to Monthly: How the Calculation Works

In the US, the remuneration system is based on hours worked, not fixed monthly salaries. The calculation is simple and straightforward:

Basic formula: