Idaho’s minimum wage remains $7.25 per hour in 2026, unchanged since July 24, 2009. This rate matches the federal minimum wage exactly. Idaho has no scheduled increases for 2027 or beyond.
Workers earning minimum wage in Idaho make $15,080 per year before taxes when working full-time (40 hours per week). This places Idaho among the 20 states still at the federal floor. Tipped employees can be paid as low as $3.35 per hour in cash wages if tips make up the difference.
Idaho Code Section 44-1502 ties the state’s minimum wage directly to federal law. The state offers no cost-of-living adjustments. Cities like Boise and Idaho Falls cannot set higher local rates.
Calculate Your Earnings in Idaho
Want to know exactly how much you’ll earn at Idaho’s $7.25 minimum wage? Use our free calculator to estimate your weekly, monthly, and annual income based on your hours worked.
💰 Minimum Wage Earnings Calculator
Calculate your weekly, monthly, and annual earnings with overtime and tax estimates
📊 Your Earnings Breakdown
💰 Gross Earnings
Calculator features:
- Automatic Idaho wage rates for 2026
- Weekly, monthly, and annual earnings
- Overtime calculations
- Tax withholding estimates
- Take-home pay breakdown
Full calculator with all features: Idaho Minimum Wage Calculator
Questions about your wages or need legal help?
Email: admin@bestlawyersinunitedstates.com
What Is Idaho's Minimum Wage in 2026?
Idaho's minimum wage is $7.25 per hour as of January 1, 2026. This rate has not changed since July 24, 2009, when Idaho adopted the federal minimum wage increase.
The state has no automatic adjustment mechanism. Idaho Code Section 44-1502 states that employers must pay at least the federal minimum wage. When federal law changes, Idaho's rate changes automatically.
Current Wage Rates by Worker Type
| Worker Type | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary (Full-Time) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular employees | $7.25 | $15,080 | Standard rate |
| Tipped employees | $3.35 cash wage | Varies with tips | Must reach $7.25 with tips |
| Youth under 20 | $4.25 | $8,840 | First 90 days only |
| Agricultural workers | Varies | Varies | Often piece-rate pay |
Key fact: Idaho allows employers to pay tipped workers just $3.35 per hour in direct wages. The employer must ensure tips plus cash wages equal at least $7.25 per hour.
Idaho vs. Federal Minimum Wage
Idaho follows the federal minimum wage exactly. No state-level increase has passed since 2009.
| Jurisdiction | Minimum Wage | Last Increased | Next Scheduled Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho | $7.25 | July 24, 2009 | None scheduled |
| Federal | $7.25 | July 24, 2009 | None scheduled |
The gap is growing: While Idaho remains at $7.25, neighboring states have moved ahead. California's minimum wage reached $16.50 in 2025 and continues rising. Colorado's minimum wage sits at $14.42 with annual inflation adjustments.
Idaho Minimum Wage by City
Idaho law prohibits cities and counties from setting their own minimum wage rates. Every city in Idaho must follow the state rate of $7.25 per hour.
Boise Minimum Wage
Boise's minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, matching the statewide rate. The city cannot raise this amount under Idaho law.
Cost of living context: Boise's median rent is $1,400 per month. A minimum wage worker earning $1,257 per month (before taxes) would spend more than 100% of their income on rent alone.
Idaho Falls Minimum Wage
Idaho Falls follows the state minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. The city has lower housing costs than Boise, with median rent around $950 per month.
Other Major Cities
All Idaho cities follow the state rate:
- Coeur d'Alene: $7.25/hour
- Moscow: $7.25/hour
- Rexburg: $7.25/hour
- Twin Falls: $7.25/hour
- Pocatello: $7.25/hour
- Meridian: $7.25/hour
- Nampa: $7.25/hour
No local control: Unlike states like California or Colorado where cities can set higher rates, Idaho prevents local minimum wage ordinances.
Idaho Tipped Employee Rules
Idaho allows employers to pay tipped employees a cash wage of just $3.35 per hour. The employer takes a "tip credit" of $3.90 to reach the $7.25 minimum wage.
How Tip Credits Work in Idaho
The formula: $3.35 (cash wage) + $3.90 (tip credit) = $7.25 (minimum wage)
Idaho Code Section 44-1502 permits this arrangement for employees who customarily receive more than $30 per month in tips. Employers must inform workers in writing about the tip credit before using it.
What Qualifies as a Tipped Employee?
Idaho law covers these workers:
- Restaurant servers and waitstaff
- Bartenders
- Hotel bellhops
- Valets
- Casino dealers
- Delivery drivers who receive tips
Must receive $30+ in tips monthly to qualify for the lower cash wage.
Employer Obligations for Tipped Workers
Critical rule: If tips plus cash wages don't equal $7.25 per hour, the employer must pay the difference.
Example: A server works 40 hours at $3.35/hour cash wage ($134). They earn $80 in tips that week. Total: $214.
- Required minimum: 40 hours × $7.25 = $290
- Actual earnings: $214
- Employer must add: $76
Tip pooling rules: Idaho allows tip pooling among customarily tipped employees. Managers cannot participate in tip pools. Employers cannot keep any portion of tips.
What If Your Employer Violates Tip Rules?
Contact the Idaho Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division:
- Phone: (208) 332-3570
- Address: 317 West Main Street, Boise, ID 83735
- Website: labor.idaho.gov
You can file a wage claim for unpaid wages. Idaho Code Section 45-606 requires employers to pay all wages owed.
Idaho Youth Minimum Wage (Opportunity Wage)
Idaho allows employers to pay workers under 20 years old just $4.25 per hour for their first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment.
Who Qualifies for Opportunity Wage?
Requirements:
- Worker must be under 20 years old
- First 90 consecutive calendar days only
- Can apply to any employer (not job-specific)
After 90 days, the employer must pay the full $7.25 minimum wage.
Restrictions on Youth Wages
Employers cannot:
- Displace existing workers to hire youth at lower wages
- Reduce hours of current employees
- Use opportunity wage as a permanent rate
The 90-day clock: This counts calendar days, not work days. If a teen starts work on January 1, the opportunity wage ends on April 1, whether they worked 10 hours or 400 hours.
Youth Employment Protections
Idaho Code Section 44-1502 protects young workers from exploitation. Workers under 16 face additional restrictions on hours and types of work under federal child labor laws.
Calculate Your Overtime Pay in Idaho
Working more than 40 hours per week? Calculate your overtime earnings based on Idaho's overtime laws. Idaho follows federal overtime rules requiring time-and-a-half pay.
⏰ Overtime Pay Calculator
Calculate your overtime earnings based on your state's specific labor laws
📍 Select Your State
💰 Your Hourly Wage
📊 Calculation Method
📅 Weekly Hours
💵 Your Weekly Overtime Pay
📊 Earnings Breakdown
📅 Pay Period Estimates
⚖️ State vs Federal Comparison
Calculator features:
- Idaho-specific overtime rules
- Weekly overtime calculations
- Pay period breakdowns
- Comparison with federal law
Full overtime calculator: Idaho Overtime Pay Calculator
Questions about your wages or need legal help?
Email: admin@bestlawyersinunitedstates.com
Idaho Overtime Laws
Idaho follows the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for overtime pay. Workers must receive time-and-a-half (1.5 times their regular rate) for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
When Does Overtime Apply?
Overtime triggers:
- Hours worked over 40 in a single workweek
- No daily overtime requirement (unlike California)
- No double-time requirement
Overtime rate calculation:
- Minimum wage worker: $7.25 × 1.5 = $10.88 per hour
- $15/hour worker: $15 × 1.5 = $22.50 per hour
Who Is Exempt from Overtime?
Idaho Code Section 44-1504 lists workers exempt from minimum wage and overtime:
Exempt categories:
- Executive, administrative, and professional employees
- Outside salespersons
- Certain agricultural workers
- Domestic service workers in private homes
- Seasonal camp employees
To qualify as exempt, salaried employees must meet both:
- Salary threshold: $43,888 per year ($844 per week) as of 2024
- Duties test: Executive, administrative, or professional duties
Compensatory Time in Idaho
Public sector employees in Idaho can receive compensatory time (comp time) instead of overtime pay. Idaho Code allows:
- 240 hours maximum for most public employees
- 480 hours maximum for public safety, emergency response, and seasonal workers
Private employers cannot substitute comp time for overtime pay under federal law.
Who Is Exempt from Idaho Minimum Wage?
Idaho Code Section 44-1504 lists specific exemptions from minimum wage requirements. These workers do not need to receive $7.25 per hour.
Complete List of Exemptions
1. Executives, administrators, and professionals
Must meet federal FLSA duties test and salary threshold ($43,888/year).
2. Outside salespersons
Workers who regularly conduct sales away from the employer's place of business.
3. Domestic service workers
Housekeepers, nannies, and caregivers employed in private homes.
4. Seasonal camp employees
Workers at nonprofit or religious camps, including seasonal youth programs.
5. Agricultural workers under specific conditions
- Workers under 16 if parent also employed on same farm
- Piece-rate agricultural workers over 16 meeting specific criteria
- Livestock range production workers
6. Seasonal employees of nonprofit camps
Workers at camps operated by nonprofit or religious organizations.
Who IS Covered by Minimum Wage?
Most hourly workers receive minimum wage protection:
- Retail workers
- Restaurant employees
- Hotel and hospitality staff
- Warehouse workers
- Manufacturing employees
- Healthcare workers (non-exempt)
- Office workers (non-exempt)
Why Is Idaho's Minimum Wage So Low?
Idaho's minimum wage has remained frozen at $7.25 for 17 years (since 2009). The state has no cost-of-living adjustment mechanism and no scheduled increases.
Political and Economic Factors
Legislative landscape: Idaho's Republican-controlled legislature has not advanced minimum wage increase bills. The state philosophy emphasizes market-determined wages over government mandates.
No ballot initiative process: Unlike Arizona or Florida, Idaho citizens cannot place minimum wage increases directly on the ballot.
Comparison to Neighboring States
Idaho's neighbors have pulled ahead on minimum wage:
| State | 2026 Minimum Wage | Annual Adjustment | Gap from Idaho |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $16.66 | Yes (CPI-linked) | +$9.41 |
| Oregon | $14.70 | Yes (CPI-linked) | +$7.45 |
| Montana | $10.55 | Yes (CPI-linked) | +$3.30 |
| Idaho | $7.25 | No | — |
| Utah | $7.25 | No | $0 |
| Wyoming | $7.25 | No | $0 |
| Nevada | $12.00 | Yes | +$4.75 |
The pattern: States with voter-approved increases or automatic adjustments have left Idaho behind. Idaho shares the federal floor with only Georgia, Alaska, and 17 other states.
Economic Arguments
Proponents say:
- Lower labor costs attract businesses
- Market wages exceed minimum wage for most jobs
- Small businesses need flexibility
Critics counter:
- Workers cannot afford basic needs
- $15,080 per year falls below poverty line for families
- Growing gap with neighboring states
Can You Live on Idaho's Minimum Wage?
A full-time minimum wage worker in Idaho earns $15,080 per year before taxes. After federal and state taxes, take-home pay is roughly $13,500 annually or $1,125 per month.
Minimum Wage vs. Poverty Line
Federal poverty guidelines (2026):
- Single person: $15,060
- Two-person household: $20,440
- Three-person household: $25,820
- Four-person household: $31,200
Minimum wage covers: A single person barely clears the poverty line. A minimum wage worker supporting even one dependent falls into poverty.
Cost of Living by City
Boise:
- Median rent: $1,400/month
- Annual rent: $16,800
- Minimum wage income: $15,080
- Rent alone exceeds total income
Idaho Falls:
- Median rent: $950/month
- Annual rent: $11,400
- Minimum wage income: $15,080
- Rent consumes 76% of income
Recommended rent-to-income ratio: Financial experts suggest spending no more than 30% of income on housing. For minimum wage workers, that's $377 per month. No Idaho city offers median rents this low.
Living Wage Estimates
The MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates these hourly wages for Idaho:
| Household Type | Living Wage | Gap from Minimum Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Single adult | $17.50/hour | +$10.25 |
| Single parent, 1 child | $32.00/hour | +$24.75 |
| 2 adults, 2 children (both working) | $22.50/hour each | +$15.25 |
The reality: Idaho's minimum wage falls $10.25 per hour short of a basic living wage for a single adult with no dependents.
Calculate Your Wage Theft Recovery in Idaho
Think your employer owes you money? Use our wage theft calculator to estimate how much you could recover, including unpaid wages, penalties, and interest under Idaho law.
Wage Theft Recovery Calculator
Estimate how much you can recover in unpaid wages, penalties, and damages based on your state's laws
💵 Estimated Total Recovery
💰 Unpaid Wages
⚖️ Penalties & Damages
📋 Total Summary
Calculator features:
- Multiple violation types (unpaid wages, overtime, tips)
- Idaho-specific penalties and damages
- Filing deadline tracker
- Total recovery estimate
- Next steps guidance
Full wage theft calculator: Idaho Wage Theft Recovery Calculator
Need help with unpaid wages? Contact Idaho Department of Labor or consult with an employment attorney.
Questions about your wages or need legal help?
Email: admin@bestlawyersinunitedstates.com
What Is Wage Theft in Idaho?
Wage theft occurs when employers fail to pay workers the wages they earned. Idaho Code Section 45-606 requires prompt payment of all wages owed.
Common Types of Wage Theft
Illegal practices include:
- Paying below minimum wage ($7.25/hour)
- Not paying overtime for hours over 40 per week
- Forcing employees to work off the clock
- Taking illegal deductions from paychecks
- Skimming tips from tipped employees
- Not reimbursing work-related expenses when it drops pay below minimum wage
Example: A restaurant pays servers $3.35/hour but counts non-tipped work (cleaning, prep work) in the tip credit calculation. This violates federal and state law.
How to File a Wage Claim in Idaho
Step 1: Document everything
- Pay stubs
- Timesheets or work schedule
- Records of hours worked
- Evidence of wages owed
Step 2: Contact Idaho Department of Labor
- Phone: (208) 332-3570
- Mail: Idaho Department of Labor, 317 West Main Street, Boise, ID 83735
- Online: labor.idaho.gov
- Filing deadline: Within 3 years of the violation
Step 3: File your complaint
Provide all documentation. The Wage and Hour Division will investigate.
Step 4: Resolution
The department may order the employer to pay back wages. You can also file a private lawsuit under Idaho Code Section 45-606.
Penalties for Employers
Idaho Code Section 45-606 makes it a crime for employers to fail to pay wages. Penalties include:
| Violation Type | Employer Penalty | Employee Recovery |
|---|---|---|
| Unpaid minimum wages | Criminal penalty | Full back wages owed |
| Unpaid overtime | Criminal penalty | Full overtime owed |
| Tip violations | Criminal penalty | Full tips owed |
| Late wage payment | Criminal penalty | All wages due |
Criminal penalties: Employers who knowingly fail to pay wages face criminal charges under Idaho Code Section 45-606.
Idaho Employer Compliance Requirements
Idaho employers must follow specific posting and record-keeping requirements under state and federal law.
Required Workplace Postings
Idaho Department of Labor requires:
- Idaho Minimum Wage poster (includes wage rates, overtime rules)
- Equal Employment Opportunity poster
- Workers' compensation information
- Safety and health posters
Where to post: In a conspicuous location accessible to all employees (break room, time clock area, entrance).
Download posters: labor.idaho.gov/pdf/wagehour.pdf
Record-Keeping Requirements
Idaho employers must maintain payroll records for 3 years including:
- Employee name, address, and Social Security number
- Hours worked each day and week
- Hourly rate of pay
- Total wages paid each pay period
- Deductions from wages
- Date of payment
Failure to maintain records can result in penalties during Idaho Department of Labor audits.
Wage Payment Frequency
Idaho Code Section 45-606 governs when wages must be paid:
Regular payment:
- Wages due no later than the next regularly scheduled payday
- Most employers pay weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly
Early payment requests:
- If employee requests earlier payment, due within 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays)
Separated employees:
- Wages due within 10 days of separation OR the next regular payday, whichever comes first
Penalty for late payment: Employers who fail to pay on time face potential criminal penalties under Idaho Code Section 45-606.
Idaho Minimum Wage FAQs
What Is Idaho's Minimum Wage for 2026?
Quick Answer: Idaho's minimum wage is $7.25 per hour in 2026, unchanged since July 24, 2009.
This rate matches the federal minimum wage. Idaho has no scheduled increases. Tipped employees can receive $3.35 per hour in cash wages if tips make up the difference.
Does Idaho Have a Tipped Minimum Wage?
Quick Answer: Yes, Idaho allows employers to pay tipped workers $3.35 per hour in cash wages, with a $3.90 tip credit to reach $7.25 minimum wage.
Employers must ensure that cash wages plus tips equal at least $7.25 per hour. If tips fall short, the employer must pay the difference. This rule appears in Idaho Code Section 44-1502.
What Is the Minimum Wage in Boise?
Quick Answer: Boise's minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, the same as the statewide rate, with no local increases allowed.
Idaho law prohibits cities from setting their own minimum wage. Boise, Idaho Falls, and all other Idaho cities must follow the state rate of $7.25 per hour.
How Do I Calculate My Minimum Wage Earnings in Idaho?
Quick Answer: Use the Idaho Minimum Wage Calculator to instantly calculate weekly, monthly, and annual earnings based on your hours worked at $7.25/hour.
Full-time work (40 hours/week) at Idaho minimum wage equals $290 per week, $1,257 per month, or $15,080 per year before taxes.
How Much Overtime Pay Am I Entitled to in Idaho?
Quick Answer: Idaho workers earn time-and-a-half (1.5× regular pay) for hours over 40 per week. Use the Idaho Overtime Calculator to calculate your overtime earnings.
Example: A minimum wage worker earns $10.88 per hour ($7.25 × 1.5) for overtime hours. Idaho has no daily overtime requirement.
How Do I Calculate Wage Theft Recovery in Idaho?
Quick Answer: Use the Idaho Wage Theft Calculator to estimate unpaid wages, penalties, and total recovery under Idaho Code Section 45-606.
You have 3 years to file a wage claim with the Idaho Department of Labor. The calculator accounts for unpaid regular wages, overtime, and tip violations.
What States Have a $15 Minimum Wage?
Quick Answer: Seven states and Washington D.C. have minimum wages of $15 or higher in 2026, but Idaho is not one of them.
States with $15+ minimum wage include California ($16.50), Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Washington. Idaho remains at the federal floor of $7.25.
Can Idaho Cities Set Their Own Minimum Wage?
Quick Answer: No, Idaho law prohibits cities and counties from setting minimum wages higher than the state rate of $7.25 per hour.
Unlike states like California or Colorado where cities can raise local rates, Idaho prevents local minimum wage ordinances statewide.
What Is the Youth Minimum Wage in Idaho?
Quick Answer: Workers under 20 years old can be paid $4.25 per hour for their first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment.
After 90 days, employers must pay the full $7.25 minimum wage. This "opportunity wage" appears in Idaho Code Section 44-1502 and federal law.
Is Idaho Raising Its Minimum Wage in 2027?
Quick Answer: No, Idaho has no scheduled minimum wage increases for 2027 or any future year.
Idaho's minimum wage has remained $7.25 since 2009. The state has no automatic adjustment mechanism and no pending legislation to raise the rate.
What Should I Do If My Employer Pays Below Minimum Wage?
Quick Answer: File a wage complaint with the Idaho Department of Labor at (208) 332-3570 or labor.idaho.gov within 3 years of the violation.
You can recover unpaid wages through the state agency or by filing a private lawsuit under Idaho Code Section 45-606. Document all hours worked and wages received.
Who Is Exempt from Idaho Minimum Wage?
Quick Answer: Idaho Code Section 44-1504 exempts executives, administrators, professionals, outside salespersons, domestic workers, agricultural workers under certain conditions, and seasonal camp employees.
Most hourly workers in retail, food service, hospitality, and other industries receive minimum wage protection. The exemptions require meeting specific federal and state criteria.
Key Takeaways: Idaho Minimum Wage 2026
Idaho's minimum wage remains $7.25 per hour in 2026 with no scheduled increases. This rate has been frozen since July 24, 2009, placing Idaho among the lowest-paying states in the nation.
Essential facts:
- Full-time minimum wage income: $15,080/year (before taxes)
- Tipped worker cash wage: $3.35/hour
- Youth opportunity wage: $4.25/hour (first 90 days, under age 20)
- Overtime rate: $10.88/hour (time-and-a-half)
- No city or county can set higher local rates
Your rights:
- Employers must pay at least $7.25/hour for all hours worked
- Overtime required for hours over 40 per week
- Tips belong to employees, not employers
- File wage claims within 3 years with Idaho Department of Labor
Resources:
- Calculate your earnings: Idaho Minimum Wage Calculator
- Calculate overtime: Idaho Overtime Calculator
- Calculate wage theft: Idaho Wage Theft Calculator
- Idaho Department of Labor: (208) 332-3570, labor.idaho.gov
Idaho's wage gap with neighboring states continues to widen. Hawaii's minimum wage sits at $14.00, while Idaho remains at $7.25. Workers seeking higher wages often look to nearby states with stronger wage protections.
Questions about unpaid wages or wage violations?
Email: admin@bestlawyersinunitedstates.com
