Idaho Minimum Wage at a Glance in 2018
In 2018, Idaho’s minimum wage was governed primarily by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), since the state did not set a higher hourly rate. Most workers in Idaho were entitled to the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour. Certain exemptions and provisions applied based on employee type, employer size, and tip income. This overview explains the baseline pay, key exemptions, and how Idaho compared with neighboring states, drawing on U.S. Department of Labor sources and state statutes to provide a clear, factual reference.
Federal Minimum Wage Baseline for Idaho in 2018
Idaho followed the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour in 2018. This rate had been set by the FLSA and had not changed since July 2009. Because Idaho did not enact a state minimum wage higher than the federal level, the $7.25 standard applied to most covered employers in the state. Workers who performed job duties in Idaho were generally entitled to at least $7.25 for each hour worked, subject to the same rules and exemptions that applied nationwide under the FLSA.
Employment Status and Coverage
Coverage under the FLSA depends on a worker’s job duties and the employer’s annual revenue. Employers with at least $500,000 in annual gross volume were typically covered, as were enterprises handling goods produced for interstate commerce. Non-exempt employees were entitled to the $7.25 minimum, while certain classifications could be paid differently. Understanding whether an employer is covered and whether a role is non-exempt helps determine whether the federal minimum applies.
Notable Exemptions and Special Cases
- Tipped employees: Employers may apply a cash wage of no less than $2.13 per hour if tips bring earnings up to at least $7.25 per hour.
- Full-time students: Students in retail or service roles may be paid at a reduced rate under a certificate, typically no less than 85% of the regular minimum wage.
- Young workers: Workers under age 20 may be paid a youth minimum of $4.25 per hour for the first 90 consecutive calendar days.
- Small farms and specific seasonal/recreenter employers: Exemptions may apply under federal law.
Idaho Minimum Wage Compared with Neighboring States in 2018
In 2018, Idaho’s $7.25 per hour minimum wage matched the federal baseline and was the same as several neighboring states, while a few others had higher state-level rates. Employers were required to pay the higher rate when state or local rules provided greater benefits to workers.
| State | Minimum Wage in 2018 (Hourly) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho | $7.25 | Federal baseline; no higher state rate set |
| Washington | $11.50 | State-specific rate, higher than federal |
| Oregon | $9.25–$10.75 | Regional tiers; higher than federal |
| Montana | $8.30 | State set a rate above federal |
| Utah | $7.25 | Matched federal baseline |
| Wyoming | $5.15 | State minimum for small employers; federal $7.25 applied to most |
Inflation and Purchasing Power Context
While the nominal minimum wage in Idaho remained $7.25 in 2018, inflation gradually reduced the real value of that amount compared with earlier decades. Using common price indices, $7.25 in 2018 had roughly the purchasing power of about $8.50 in terms of late-2009 dollars, reflecting cumulative price changes since the federal rate was set. This context helps explain why discussions about the minimum wage often reference both nominal dollars and inflation-adjusted comparisons.
Practical Implications for Workers and Employers in Idaho
For workers in Idaho in 2018, understanding that $7.25 was the floor is essential for verifying paychecks and filing concerns if paid less. Employees whose duties met FLSA coverage were owed at least that amount for all hours worked, with additional rules for tipped work and overtime. Employers needed to track hours accurately, apply exemptions correctly, and ensure total earnings for tipped workers met minimum standards. Compliance with federal rules also included posting notices and maintaining payroll records.
Common Questions and Clarifications on Idaho’s Minimum Wage in 2018
Because state and federal rules interact, some questions recur. In 2018, Idaho did not have its own higher minimum wage, so the federal $7.25 was the default for most jobs. Tipped workers could be paid less in cash if tips made up the difference, and specific student or youth certificates allowed lower pay under conditions. Small employers in qualifying categories might rely on different federal provisions, but covered workers were still entitled to $7.25 unless an exemption applied.
Reliable Sources and Key Documentation
Details in this overview draw on widely available federal sources and publicly accessible statutes. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division outlines FLSA coverage and exemptions, while Idaho state statutes confirm the absence of a higher state minimum wage for 2018. These sources support consistent, verifiable information for workers, employers, and researchers.