Ohio's Minimum Wage: Not Your Grandpappy's Nickel and Dime!
Ah, money. The root of all...well, a lot of things these days. Rent, that daily latte habit, that spiffy new avocado slicer you don't actually need (but desperately want). But hey, at least you're getting paid for your time, right? Which brings us to the burning question: exactly how much is minimum wage in Ohio?
Buckle up, because it's not as simple as a one-size-fits-all answer. Ohio's got a bit of a split personality when it comes to minimum wage. Here's the skinny:
The Big Kahuna (Most Folks): $10.45 per hour
That's right, a cool $10.45 per hour is the minimum wage for most Ohio employees. This applies to glorious folks like retail warriors, office wizards, and the culinary masters whipping up your lunch. Cha-ching!The Tipping Point (Those Who Rely on Tips): $5.25 per hour PLUS TIPS
Waiters, waitresses, bartenders, and other tipped employees get a different deal. Their base wage is $5.25 per hour, but they also get to keep their tips (wink wink, nudge nudge). The key here is that those tips gotta add up to at least the difference between $5.25 and $$10.45 per hour. Otherwise, the employer needs to make up the difference!The Small Fry Exemption (Businesses with Less Zing): Federal Minimum Wage ($7.25 per hour)
Now, for our tiny business owners out there, there's a slight caveat. If your business rakes in less than $385,000 annually, you can pay the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. That's good news for you, but maybe not so much for your employees (just sayin').
Important Side Note: Always check with the Ohio Department of Commerce (https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/das.ohio.gov/AMS%20Handbook%20%20Updated_2023_10_3.pdf) for the latest info on minimum wage, because hey, rules can change faster than your grandma can master TikTok.
Tip: Skim only after you’ve read fully once.
## FAQ: Minimum Wage in Ohio - You Got Questions, We Got Answers (Quick Ones!)
How to find out if Ohio minimum wage applies to you?
QuickTip: Focus on what feels most relevant.
Check with your employer or consult the Ohio Department of Commerce website.
 |
How to deal with a situation where your tips don't make up the difference in minimum wage?
QuickTip: Look for patterns as you read.
Talk to your employer or the Ohio Department of Labor about your rights.
How to become a millionaire working minimum wage? (Just kidding... mostly.)
QuickTip: Treat each section as a mini-guide.
There's no guaranteed path, but focus on gaining skills and experience that can lead to higher-paying jobs.
How to impress your friends with your knowledge of obscure Ohio minimum wage laws?
Tell them about the small business exemption! They'll be soooo enthralled (or maybe slightly terrified).
How to celebrate making more than minimum wage?
Treat yourself to that avocado slicer you've been eyeing (we won't judge).
 |
