Current Minimum Wage in Wisconsin
The minimum wage in Wisconsin is $7.25 per hour as of 2026. This is $0 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr.
Wage Breakdown
| Pay Period | Gross Pay | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly | $7.25 | 1 |
| Daily (8 hours) | $58 | 8 |
| Weekly | $290 | 40 |
| Biweekly | $580 | 80 |
| Monthly | $1,257 | ~173 |
| Annual | $15,080 | 2,080 |
Tipped Employee Wage
Tipped workers in Wisconsin can be paid a cash wage of $2.33/hr, with the expectation that tips make up the difference to the full $7.25/hr minimum. If tips don't bring total compensation to the minimum wage, the employer must make up the difference.
Scheduled Increases
No scheduled increases. Matches federal rate.
Living Wage vs. Minimum Wage
Federal Poverty Line (single)
$15,060/year
Minimum wage is $20 above poverty line
Estimated Living Wage (WI)
~$15.88/hr
Based on cost of living index (93.4)
Cost of Living Context
Wisconsin's cost of living index is 93.4 (national average = 100). This means living in Wisconsin is 6.6% cheaper than the national average. The median hourly wage in Wisconsin is $21.36/hr, which is 195% above the minimum wage.
Key Facts
Matches federal minimum wage. Multiple proposals to raise it have not passed the legislature.
How This Compares
| Metric | WI | Federal | Highest (WA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Wage | $7.25 | $7.25 | $16.66 |
| Tipped Wage | $2.33 | $2.13 | $16.66 |
| Annual (FT) | $15,080 | $15,080 | $34,653 |
Useful Resources
Wisconsin Average Salary
Median income and top employers in WI
Wisconsin Tax Rates
Income, sales & property tax in WI
Salary Calculator
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