The Utah Minimum Wage Act establishes the legal framework for minimum wage requirements in the state of Utah. Here is a neutral summary of its key provisions and current status:
Overview
- Current Minimum Wage:
- The minimum wage in Utah is $7.25 per hour, which matches the federal minimum wage set by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
- This rate has remained unchanged since July 24, 2009.
- Scope:
- Applies to most private, public, and nonprofit employers and employees in Utah.
- Exemptions exist for certain categories of workers, as defined by both state and federal law.
Key Provisions
- Tipped Employees:
- Employers may pay tipped employees a direct wage of $2.13 per hour, provided that the employee’s tips bring their total earnings to at least $7.25 per hour.
- If tips plus the direct wage do not meet the minimum wage, the employer must make up the difference.
- Minors:
- Employees under 18 years old may be paid a training wage of $4.25 per hour during their first 90 days of employment.
- Exemptions:
- The Act specifies exemptions for certain types of employment, such as some small businesses or specific roles, but these are narrowly defined.
- Adjustments:
- Utah does not have a state-specific mechanism for annual minimum wage increases. Any changes to the minimum wage are tied to federal adjustments.
- The state commission is required to review the minimum wage at least every three years and whenever the federal minimum wage changes.
Additional Details
- Uniform Application:
- The minimum wage is uniform across the state; local governments are not permitted to set higher rates.
- No Industry-Specific Rates:
- There are no industry-specific minimum wage rates in Utah; federal provisions for tipped employees, agricultural workers, and apprentices apply.
Summary Table
| Category | Rate/Provision |
|---|---|
| General Minimum Wage | $7.25 per hour |
| Tipped Employees | $2.13 per hour (plus tips) |
| Minors (first 90 days) | $4.25 per hour |
| Exemptions | As defined by law |
| Local Adjustments | Not permitted |
This information is current as of July 2025 and reflects the legal requirements under the Utah Minimum Wage Act.
🔴 Immediate Actions (Today or ASAP)
- Review Your Pay Stubs: Check your pay stubs or payment records to confirm the hourly rate you are being paid. Make sure it is at least $7.25 per hour (or the correct rate if you are a tipped employee or minor).
- Document Your Work Hours: Write down or gather records of your work hours, including dates and times, to verify you are paid for all hours worked.
- Identify Your Employment Category: Determine if you are a tipped employee, a minor in training, or fall under any exemptions to understand which wage rules apply to you.
- Keep All Communication: Save any emails, texts, or written communication with your employer about your pay or work hours.
🟡 Short-Term Steps (This Week)
- Contact Your Employer or HR: If you believe you are not receiving the correct minimum wage, politely request clarification or correction in writing. Example: "I noticed my pay rate is below the Utah minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Could you please review this?"
- Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant documents such as pay stubs, employment contracts, time sheets, and any written communication regarding wages.
- Know the Law: Review the Utah Minimum Wage Act summary to understand your rights and employer obligations.
- File a Complaint if Needed: If your employer refuses to correct underpayment, consider filing a wage complaint with the Utah Labor Commission.
🟢 Strategic Follow-Up (Next 2-4 Weeks or Longer)
- Monitor Your Paychecks: Continue to check your pay to ensure compliance with minimum wage laws.
- Seek Legal Advice: If issues persist, consult a labor law attorney or legal aid organization for guidance on recovering unpaid wages.
- Know Your Rights for Future Employment: Understand the exemptions and specific rules for tipped employees and minors to protect yourself in future jobs.
- Stay Updated: Keep informed about any changes to minimum wage laws at the federal or state level.
Your Legal Rights
- Right to Minimum Wage: Under the Utah Minimum Wage Act and the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), you must be paid at least $7.25 per hour for most jobs.
- Tipped Employees: If you receive tips, your employer can pay you $2.13 per hour directly, but your total earnings (wages plus tips) must be at least $7.25 per hour.
- Minors: Employees under 18 can be paid a training wage of $4.25 per hour for the first 90 days.
- Right to Be Paid for All Hours Worked: Employers must pay you for all hours you actually work.
- Protection Against Retaliation: It is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for asserting your wage rights.
Where to Get Help
- Utah Labor Commission: File wage complaints or get information. Website: laborcommission.utah.gov Phone: (801) 530-6800
- U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division: For federal wage law questions. Website: dol.gov/agencies/whd Phone: 1-866-4US-WAGE (1-866-487-9243)
- Legal Aid Organizations: For free or low-cost legal advice, contact Utah Legal Services (utahlegalservices.org) or Utah State Bar Lawyer Referral Services.
- Keep Documents Ready: Have your pay stubs, employment contracts, time records, and any written communications available when seeking help.
- Emergency Resources: If you face retaliation or job loss after asserting your rights, seek immediate legal advice or contact worker protection agencies.
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