Ohio Minimum Wage Increased for 2018
With the start of 2018 comes New Year’s resolutions, holiday celebrations, and for Ohio, a raise in minimum wage. Beginning on January 1, 2018 both tipped and non-tipped employees in Ohio will see an increase in minimum wage.
Non-Tipped Employees
Workers who receive less than $30 in tips per month are considered non-tipped employees. The minimum wage for non-tipped employees is rising from $8.15 an hour to $8.30 an hour. This 15-cent increase for a full-time employee who works 40 hours a week equates to a “raise” of $300 for the year.
Tipped Employees
On the other hand, tipped employees are those who earn more than $30 per month in tips at their job. The minimum wage for tipped workers is increasing from $4.08 an hour to $4.15 an hour. This 7-cent raise adds up to around $145 extra per year for those who work full-time. Additionally, if tipped employees don’t make at least $7.25 per hour after receiving their hourly wage plus tips, their employer is required to make up the difference.
Exempt Employees
The change in Ohio wages does not affect every profession. Jobs that are exempt from minimum wage standards are:
- People employed directly by the United States;
- Those who work in a home as a babysitter or caretaker of the elderly;
- A salesman, executive, administrative, professional or computer professional;
- Anyone volunteering for public agencies;
- Individuals who are working at a job with a charitable nature;
- Employees at a camp or recreational area; and
- Those who are employed at a family owned and operated business and are part of the family.
Minimum Wage Rates in Ohio
The current federal minimum wage still rests at $7.25, however, Ohio is one of 29 states with a higher minimum wage. In those 29 states, the higher minimum wage rate prevails over the federal rate. That means if you work in Ohio, your employer must pay you the higher Ohio minimum wage for each hour worked. If your employer is not paying you the correct amount, call our wage & hour attorneys at 216-282-1773 to see how we can help you.