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Georgia’s minimum wage law, as of 2024, is $5.15 but defaults to the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act since it is higher. In Georgia, workers receive a lower minimum wage that exceeds the Federal Minimum Wage of $7.25.
Thus, with some limited exceptions, the federal minimum wage rate of $7.25 applies statewide. Some cities may have local ordinances establishing higher minimum wages, but statewide policies generally prevail unless overridden explicitly by local laws.
Minimum Wages in Georgia Cities
Here’s a table of the minimum wage rates Georgia cities:
| City | Minimum Wage | Tipped Minimum Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | $15.00 | $2.13 |
| Augusta | $7.25 | $2.13 |
| Columbus | $7.25 | $2.13 |
| Macon | $7.25 | $2.13 |
| Savannah | $12.50 | $2.13 |
| Athens | $7.25 | $2.13 |
| Sandy Springs | $7.25 | $2.13 |
| Roswell | $7.25 | $2.13 |
| Johns Creek | $7.25 | $2.13 |
| Albany | $7.25 | $2.13 |
| Marietta | $7.25 | $2.13 |
| Warner Robins | $7.25 | $2.13 |
| Smyrna | $7.25 | $2.13 |
| Valdosta | $7.25 | $2.13 |
| Dalton | $7.25 | $2.13 |
| Peachtree City | $7.25 | $2.13 |
| Rome | $7.25 | $2.13 |
| Gainesville | $7.25 | $2.13 |
| Lawrenceville | $7.25 | $2.13 |
| Douglasville | $7.25 | $2.13 |
| Alpharetta | $7.25 | $2.13 |
| Stockbridge | $7.25 | $2.13 |
| Hinesville | $7.25 | $2.13 |
| Canton | $7.25 | $2.13 |
| Tifton | $7.25 | $2.13 |
| Statesboro | $7.25 | $2.13 |
| Acworth | $7.25 | $2.13 |
| Cartersville | $7.25 | $2.13 |
| Villa Rica | $7.25 | $2.13 |
| East Point | $7.25 | $2.13 |
Threshold For Employees Exempt
In Georgia, the minimum wage affects exempt and non-exempt employees differently due to their classifications under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
According FLSA, minimum wage affects both exempt and non-exempt employees differently.
Non-exempt employees are directly impacted by minimum wage laws. They receive at least the federal minimum wage for every hour worked. They are also entitled to overtime pay at 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for hours worked over 40 in a week.
Exempt employees, commonly salaried, must earn at least $43,888 annually (or $844 per week) to qualify for overtime exemption. This salary threshold ensures exempt employees are compensated fairly.
State-specific rules, such as higher salary thresholds in states like California and New York, may apply. Further, minor employees in Georgia have specific work-hour restrictions to protect their education and well-being.
H2: Historical Data of Georgia Minimum Wages
Georgia’s incremental changes in minimum wages were as follows:
- Effective July 24, 2007, the federal minimum wage increased to $5.85 per hour.
- Effective July 24, 2008, the federal minimum wage increased to $6.55 per hour.
- Effective July 24, 2009, the federal minimum wage increased to $7.25 per hour.
Here is a table underlying the changes in the minimum wages in Georgia;
| Year | Minimum Wage (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1938-1960 | $0.25 |
| 1961-1971 | $0.75 |
| 1972-1973 | $1.60 |
| 1974-1988 | $2.00 |
| 1989-1996 | $3.35 |
| 1997-2005 | $5.15 |
| 2006-2023 | $7.25 |
| 2024 | $5.15 |
Exemptions in Minimum Wages of Georgia
In Georgia, certain employees are exempt from the state’s minimum wage requirements. Here are they;
- Those in executive roles who are paid on a salary basis.
- Those in administrative positions who are also salaried.
- Learned and creative professionals are paid on a salary basis.
- Those who primarily work outside the employer’s place of business.
- Computer employees, including systems analysts, programmers, and software engineers.
- Tipped employees who receive tips as part of their compensation.
- Minor workers and underage are exempt
