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HOURLY WAGE INDEX

Let’s talk wages in Wisconsin

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$7.25

What is the minimum wage in Wisconsin?

The Wisconsin minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. This is the same as the federal minimum wage, as Wisconsin has not yet enacted a state law to raise the Wisconsin minimum wage above this amount.

It's also important to note that there are also exemptions to the Wisconsin minimum wage laws, such as for tipped employees, full-time students, and certain disabled workers.

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$28.61

What is the average wage in Wisconsin?

The average wage in Wisconsin is $28.61 per hour or $59,500 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, it's important to note that the average wage varies depending on the occupation and industry.

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$31.38

What is the living wage in Wisconsin?

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$12.00

What is the minimum wage in Milwaukee, Wisonsin?

The minimum wage in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is $12.00 per hour for employers with more than 50 employees and $11.00 per hour for employers with less than 50 employees. 

This is higher than the state minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, as the city of Milwaukee has enacted a local ordinance to raise the minimum wage above the state level.

A guide to hourly labor laws in Wisconsin

  • Final Paychecks: By the next regularly scheduled payday (Wis. Stat. § 109.03).
  • Wage Payment Frequency: At least monthly (Wis. Stat. § 109.03).
  • Paid Sick Leave: No state/federal law. Policies are determined by the employer or through collective bargaining agreements (DoL).
  • Paid Family and Medical Leave: No paid leave. Up to 12 unpaid weeks in one year for eligible employees (FMLA).
  • Maximum Daily and Weekly Hours for Children Under 16:
    • General: No more than six days per week. For every six-hour shift, a 30-minute meal break is earned, to be taken at 6 a.m., noon, 6 p.m., or midnight, or halfway through a shift.
    • School session: No working during school hours; up to three hours per day and 18 hours per week.
    • Non-school session: Up to eight hours per day and 40 hours per week.
    • Working hours: Only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., extended until 9 p.m. June 1 through Labor Day (Wis. Stat. § 103.68) (29 C.F.R. § 570.35).
  • Maximum Daily and Weekly Hours for Children 16 and 17: Federal law does not restrict 16- and 17-year-olds’ working hours in non-hazardous occupations (DoL).

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between gross wages and net wages?

It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.

What is a good hourly wage?

This question is a difficult one to answer, as a "good hourly wage" is highly subjective according to experience, work responsibilities, cost of living, and other factors. We recommend using Hourly Wage Index data as a starting point. Once you have established a baseline for certain positions, do further research into similar businesses in your area. Lastly, consider surveying your employees. They're the best resource to help you know what is a good hourly wage, what competitive pay looks like in your location, and how competitive wages change in your industry over time.

Offering competitive pay is one of my top priorities—what other resources do you have that might help?

We know that getting applicants to pay attention to your business can be extremely challenging, and that offering competitive pay is a huge part of that. Wages aren’t everything, however! Applicant experience is another important factor that can help set you apart from your competition. A few examples include:


  • Short, easy to understand job descriptions
  • Mobile-friendliness
  • Quick communication
  • Streamlined interview stages
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Learn about wages in your city

Milwaukee Minimum Wage 2025