The minimum wage in Michigan in 2026 is 13.73 dollars per hour for most non- tipped employees, with different rates for tipped workers and some younger workers.

what is minimum wage in michigan – Quick Scoop

Current minimum wage in Michigan (2026)

As of January 1, 2026:

  • Standard minimum wage (most workers): 13.73 dollars per hour.
  • Minors aged 16–17 (85% rate): 11.67 dollars per hour.
  • Tipped employees (like many servers): 5.49 dollars per hour in direct pay, as long as tips bring them up to at least the full 13.73 dollars per hour.
  • Training wage (under 20, first 90 days): 4.25 dollars per hour, unchanged.

Michigan’s minimum wage is set by the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act , which builds in regular increases over time.

How Michigan got to 13.73 dollars

Michigan’s minimum wage has been on a stepped schedule of increases over several years, with both regular and tipped wages moving up.

  • In 2025, the general minimum wage rose to 12.48 dollars per hour.
  • State law then scheduled a further jump to 13.73 dollars per hour on January 1, 2026.
  • The share for tipped workers was also adjusted so that their base wage became 40 percent of the full minimum wage starting in 2026.

These changes are part of a broader debate in Michigan about cost of living, restaurant economics, and how fast wages should rise.

What this means if you work in Michigan

If you are an hourly worker in Michigan in 2026:

  1. Check your hourly rate.
    • Non-tipped, adult workers should see at least 13.73 dollars per hour on their pay stub.
 * If you are 16–17, you may legally be paid the 85 percent rate (11.67 dollars per hour), but not less.
  1. If you are tipped (like servers or bartenders):
    • Your employer can pay 5.49 dollars per hour in direct wages, but your tips plus wages must reach at least 13.73 dollars per hour overall.
 * If your tips do not bring you up to 13.73 dollars per hour, your employer has to make up the difference.
  1. New hires under 20:
    • For the first 90 calendar days, an employer can pay the 4.25 dollars per hour training wage.

If your paycheck seems off, you can compare your situation to the state poster or guidance on the official Michigan minimum wage site for confirmation.

Mini FAQ & viewpoints

Is 13.73 dollars a “living wage” in Michigan?

  • Some workers and advocacy groups argue that even with 13.73 dollars per hour, rising rent, food, and transportation costs in cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids still make it tough to get by on full-time minimum wage work.
  • Many small businesses, especially restaurants and retailers, say the increasing wage is a strain on payroll and may force higher prices, fewer hours, or leaner staffing.

What about future increases?

  • The law includes a schedule for continuing increases and a rising share for tipped workers over the next few years, which means both base pay and tip rules will keep changing.

Simple HTML table of key rates

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Category Hourly rate (2026) Notes
Standard minimum wage 13.73 dollars Most non-tipped adult workers, effective Jan 1, 2026.
Minors (16–17, 85% rate) 11.67 dollars Allowed lower rate for certain younger workers.
Tipped employees 5.49 dollars Must earn at least 13.73 dollars per hour including tips; 40% of full minimum.
Training wage 4.25 dollars Under 20, first 90 days of employment.
**Bottom note:** Information gathered from public data and reputable online sources about Michigan labor and wage laws, then summarized here in plain language.