by Kathryn Carlson, SPHR & KPA Director of HotlinkHR Product Marketing

 California regarded as an “employee friendly” state with one of the highest minimum wages in the country at $8.00 per hour.  The City of San Francisco however has an even higher minimum wage that the state minimum wage and beginning in January 2012 will have the highest minimum wage in the country at $10.24 per hour.  Eight states will increase minimum wage beginning January 2012. The federal minimum wage remains unchanged at $7.25 per hour.

Arizona—Standard minimum wage increases from $7.35 to $7.65 an hour. Minimum wage for tipped employees increases from $4.35 to $4.65. (The definition of a “tipped employee” differs under many state laws. However, the term is most commonly used for certain employees in the hospitality industry.)

Colorado—Standard minimum wage increases from $7.36 to $7.64 an hour. Minimum wage for tipped employees increases from $4.34 to $4.62 an hour.

Florida—Standard minimum wage increases from $7.31 to $7.67 an hour. Minimum wage for tipped employees increases from $4.29 to $4.65 an hour.

Montana—Standard wage increases from $7.35 to $7.65 an hour. (Montana law does not allow employers to take a tip credit against minimum wage for tipped employees.)

Ohio—Standard minimum wage increases from $7.40 to $7.70 an hour. Minimum wage for tipped employees increases from $3.70 to $3.85 an hour.

Oregon—Standard wage increases from $8.50 to $8.80 an hour. (Oregon law does not allow employers to take a tip credit against minimum wage for tipped employees.)

Vermont—Standard minimum wage increases from $8.15 to $8.46 an hour. Minimum wage for tipped employees increases from $3.95 to $4.10 an hour.

Washington—Standard minimum wage increases from $8.67 to $9.04 an hour. (Washington law does not allow employers to take a tip credit against minimum wage for tipped employees.)