The hourly offer starts with the minimum wage the quoted page states for that state.
Key takeaways for state minimum wage before the hourly offer
- Before you type the hourly rate on the next offer, note the four state figures and the federal floor quoted by their respective sources.
- Match the offer's work state to one saved page.
- Leave the federal comparison separate from the state line.
- Set the four state pages side by side before you choose a rate.
Compare the state page before you finalize the rate
When you draft the next offer, the first number to verify is the state minimum wage for the location where the work happens. You must compare your proposed rate against the specific figure published by the relevant agency.
Your task is to identify the work state before you finalize the rate. Do not rely on memory or general knowledge; the pages you save contain the exact figures and dates you need. For example, if the page states a rate for a specific year, you use that figure for offers made during that period. The federal statute provides the lowest legal boundary, but state laws can set higher floors.
Keep the federal claim tied to its named source. Do not treat the $7.25 figure as a rule for every employer, every state, or every product, as the scope of that quote is specific to the federal statute's schedule. When you look at a state page, you are looking for the state's own minimum wage line. That line is the number you compare against your offer. If your offer is lower than the state's quoted minimum, you must adjust the rate before sending the offer.
What the federal statute states as the hourly floor
The baseline for any hourly offer begins with the federal minimum wage defined in 29 U.S. Code § 206. The Legal Information Institute cites the U.S. Code text, which states the rate is "$7.25 an hour, beginning 24 months after that 60th day;" according to Legal Information Institute.
It is a specific statutory definition found in the U.S. Code. For your staffing firm, this means the federal floor is a fixed reference point, but it does not override higher state minimums. If the work state has a higher posted rate, the federal $7.25 figure remains the baseline from which you measure the difference.
California, Washington, Missouri, and Nevada rates dated on each page
The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries reports that the 2026 minimum wage in the state of Washington is $17.13 per hour, according to Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. This rate is associated with the "Minimum Wage" page and is explicitly tied to the 2026 calendar year.
The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations lists $15.00 as the Missouri minimum wage in effect for 2026, according to Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. The source names this figure on the "Minimum Wage | Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations" page, linking the dollar amount directly to the 2026 period.
The Nevada Office of the Labor Commissioner notes that the minimum wage in the state of Nevada increased to $12.00 an hour on July 1, 2024, according to Nevada Office of the Labor Commissioner. This statement appears on the "Labor Commissioner" page and specifies the date the rate increased rather than a future scheduled change.
When comparing these figures for an offer, note that each page attaches a specific date or year to its quoted rate. The California page ties $16.90 to January 1, 2026. The Washington page ties $17.13 to 2026. The Missouri page ties $15.00 to 2026. The Nevada page ties $12.00 to July 1, 2024.
Write the work state beside the rate on your offer document. Compare that rate with the quoted figure for that state on the saved page. If the page lists a later year's rate separately, use the rate for the current work period. Do not assume a rate applies to every employer regardless of the specific conditions named in the source. Check the exact date or year attached to the number before finalizing the offer.
Filled reference table of each publisher's minimum-wage rule
The table below lists the minimum wage figures and effective dates as stated on each agency's page. Use the row for the state where the work occurs to check your proposed hourly rate.
| Publisher | State | Quoted Rate | Effective Date/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Department of Industrial Relations | California | $16.90 per hour | January 1, 2026 |
| Washington State Department of Labor and Industries | Washington | $17.13 per hour | 2026 |
| Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations | Missouri | $15.00 | 2026 |
| Nevada Office of the Labor Commissioner | Nevada | $12.00 an hour | July 1, 2024 |
The California entry notes the rate applies to employers not otherwise covered by a higher minimum wage specific to an industry or a locality California Department of Industrial Relations. The Washington entry identifies the figure as the 2026 minimum wage Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. The Missouri entry states the amount is in effect for 2026 Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. The Nevada entry specifies the rate increased to $12.00 an hour on July 1, 2024 Nevada Office of the Labor Commissioner. Compare your offer rate directly against the "Quoted Rate" column for the relevant state before sending the offer.
Exceptions the pages name without adding a dollar they do not print
Three of the four sources note conditions or future dates that change how the quoted rate applies, but they do not print a different dollar figure for those exceptions in the same sentence.
Washington's later-year rate The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries states that the 2027 minimum wage in the state of Washington is $17.73 per hour, according to Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. This figure is distinct from the current-year rate listed on the same page. When you draft an offer for work starting in 2027, the page identifies $17.73 as the applicable figure for that year. The source does not provide a single rate that covers both the current and 2027 periods; it separates them by year.
Missouri's income threshold The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations specifies that employers engaged in retail or service businesses whose annual gross income is less than $500,000 are not required to pay the state minimum wage rate, according to Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. This exception is tied to the employer's business type and income level. The page does not print a reduced dollar amount for these exempt employers; it simply states they are not required to pay the state rate. If the employer in question falls under this description, the state minimum wage line on the page does not apply to them.
What to do with these notes When you save the page for your offer file, note which exception or future date applies to your specific hire. For Washington, check if the start date falls in 2027 to use the $17.73 figure. For Missouri, verify if the client's business type and gross income match the exemption criteria. For Nevada, recognize that the two-tier system is no longer in effect. These notes clarify the scope of the quoted rates without adding new dollar figures to the table.
Illustrative example of one hourly comparison
This walk-through uses round figures only and names no employer. The saved page quotes $15 an hour for 2026. The draft lists $12 an hour. Because 12 is lower than 15, raise the draft to $15 before you send it. A second draft lists $18 an hour against that same 2026 page. Because 18 is higher than 15, keep $18. Write the work state beside the rate you keep, and write 2026 next to the saved page. Do this comparison on the draft you mean to send today.
What to write on the offer before you send it
Record the work state directly beside the hourly rate on the draft offer. This entry identifies the specific jurisdiction whose posted minimum wage applies to the position. The rate must reflect the location where the work is performed.
Compare the proposed hourly rate against the quoted figure for that state on the saved agency page. If the proposed rate is lower than the quoted minimum, increase the rate to match the quoted figure. If the proposed rate is higher, you may keep the proposed rate. The comparison ensures the offer meets the floor stated by the agency for that specific state.
The California Department of Industrial Relations states that unless another exemption applies, employers must pay all employees at least the minimum wage per hour, according to California Department of Industrial Relations. This rule applies to the general duty of paying the minimum wage. Check whether any exemption named in the source applies to the specific role. If an exemption applies, note it on the offer. If no exemption applies, the quoted minimum wage is the floor for the rate.
Write the date of the saved page next to the rate. This date shows which version of the minimum wage you used for the comparison. If the agency updates the rate, the saved page may show an older figure. Re-check the page before sending the offer if the date is old. The date helps you verify that the quoted figure is current for the work state.
Before the offer goes out, review State overtime rules from 4 pages before the offer and First payday rules for 4 state payment schedules.
Minimum-wage offer FAQ
Which rate do I use if the pages list more than one year?
Use the rate for the current year of employment when writing the offer. If a page lists a separate rate for a later year, such as 2027, note that it is not the current rate.
Does the federal $7.25 sentence replace a higher state rate the state page states?
No, the federal floor does not replace a higher state rate.
Does Missouri's rate apply to every employer?
No, the Missouri page states that retail or service businesses with annual gross income under $500,000 are not required to pay the state rate. Check the specific income threshold before applying the rate to a client.
Does the California page state a fast-food dollar amount?
No, the California page names a higher minimum for Fast Food Workers but does not print a specific dollar amount in the quoted text. Do not assume a specific fast-food rate from this quote alone.
What do I write on the offer today?
Write the work state beside the rate and compare it with the quoted figure for that state on the saved page. Record the state and the quoted rate to verify the offer.