How the minimum wage has changed since it was first created in 1938
The federal minimum wage hit its peak in inflation-adjusted terms in 1968 at just over $12. It has been set at $7.25 since 2009.
Inflation-adjusted wage in 2020 dollars
Unadjusted minimum wage
$12
$9
$7.25
$6
$3
0
1940
’50
’60
’70
’80
’90
’00
’10
’20
Inflation-adjusted minimum wage in 2020 dollars
Unadjusted minimum wage
$12
$9
$7.25
$6
$3
0
1940
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
2020
Inflation-adjusted minimum wage in 2020 dollars
Unadjusted minimum wage
$12
$9
$7.25
$6
$3
0
1940
1950
1960
1980
1990
2000
2010
2020
1970
