The federal minimum wage increased 07/24/07 to $5.85 from $5.15. The increase is the first in the federal rate since 1997. All employees subject to the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act must now be paid at a rate equal to or greater than $5.85 per hour.
The next federal increases will take place on July 24, 2008, and July 24, 2009, to $6.55 per hour and to $7.25 per hour, respectively.