Wisconsin’s minimum wage is $7.25 an hour in 2026, the same as the federal minimum [1][2]. The state rate hasn’t changed since July 24, 2009 [2]. State law also bars cities, villages, towns and counties from setting their own minimum wage [4].
At a glance
- Minimum wage, 2026
- $7.25 an hour [1][2]
- Tipped workers
- $2.33 cash wage; total pay must reach $7.25 [1][2]
- Opportunity wage (under 20)
- $5.90 for the first 90 days [1][2]
- Local minimum wages
- Not allowed [4]
- Deadline for a wage claim
- 2 years from when wages were due [6]
| Worker | Hourly minimum |
|---|---|
| Adults and minors | $7.25 |
| Opportunity employee (under 20, first 90 days) | $5.90 |
| Tipped employee (cash wage) | $2.33 |
| Tipped opportunity employee (cash wage) | $2.13 |
| Golf caddies | $5.90 for 9 holes; $10.50 for 18 holes |
| Camp counselors (weekly) | $350; $265 with board; $210 with board and lodging |
The opportunity wage
Wisconsin lets employers pay $5.90 an hour to an opportunity employee [1][2]. After 90 consecutive days, or when the worker turns 20, whichever comes first, the full $7.25 applies [1].
Tipped workers
Employers can pay tipped workers a cash wage of $2.33 an hour [1][2]. That lets them count up to $4.92 an hour in tips toward the minimum [3]. Tipped opportunity employees can be paid $2.13 [1][3].
The employer has to back that up. Its payroll records must show the worker actually received at least the full minimum [2]. If tips plus wages don’t average $7.25 an hour over the pay period, the employer pays the difference [1].
Special rules
Wisconsin’s minimum wage rules have separate sections for domestic service, casual employment and companions in private homes, student work, and licensed subminimum wages for rehabilitation facilities and student learners [2]. If you’re in one of those groups, check the rule for your situation with the Department of Workforce Development.
If you’re paid less than you’re owed
1. File a labor standards complaint. The Department of Workforce Development takes wage complaints online, after you log in with a MyWisconsin ID [5]. You can also mail a paper form, LS-119-E [1].
The deadline is two years from the date the wages were payable. DWD won’t accept a claim for pay that was due more than two years before it receives the complaint [6].
What happens next [6]:
- An investigator notifies your employer and asks for a written response.
- The investigator may help you settle, but can’t settle a minimum wage claim for less than the law requires.
- If there’s no settlement, the investigator issues a written decision. Either side can ask for a review.
- If the employer won’t pay, DWD may refer the claim to the district attorney, who can sue. The DA can ask the court for an extra 100% of the wages owed as increased wages .
2. Go to court. A lawsuit for unpaid wages generally must start within two years [7]. If you filed a claim with DWD, a court action on that claim must start within two years after the claim was filed [7].
Other states
Comparing Wisconsin with its neighbors? See the minimum wage in every state on BestAmerica.
Sources
- Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development: Minimum Wage
- Wis. Admin. Code ch. DWD 272: Minimum Wage
- U.S. Department of Labor: Minimum wages for tipped employees
- Wis. Stat. § 104.001: Statewide minimum wage; local ordinances prohibited
- Wisconsin DWD: Labor Standards complaints
- Wisconsin DWD: Labor Standards complaint process
- Wis. Stat. § 893.44: Actions for wages
Common questions
What is the minimum wage in Wisconsin in 2026?
$7.25 an hour, for adults and minors alike. It has been $7.25 since July 24, 2009, and no increase is scheduled. Cities and counties can't set a higher minimum wage.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Wisconsin?
$2.33 an hour in cash. The employer must show in its payroll records that tips plus the cash wage brought the worker to at least $7.25 an hour. Tipped opportunity employees under 20 can be paid $2.13 during their first 90 days.
What is the opportunity wage in Wisconsin?
$5.90 an hour, for workers under 20 during their first 90 consecutive days with an employer. After 90 days, or at age 20, whichever comes first, the full $7.25 applies.