Blog · Payroll Management
Wisconsin Minimum Wage 2026: Rates & Rules
The Wisconsin minimum wage in 2026 is $7.25 under Wis. Stat. chapter 104 and DWD 272, matching federal, with two Wisconsin-specific rates: a $5.90 opportunity wage for workers under 20 during their first 90 days and a $2.33 tipped cash wage, above the federal $2.13. BEG runs Wisconsin payroll at $45 per employee per month, live in 3 to 5 business days.
Wisconsin's 2026 minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, matching the federal minimum wage rate, per the U.S. Department of Labor.
Because Wisconsin's state rate mirrors the federal floor, employers here track one fewer moving target than businesses in states with independent minimum wage statutes. But payroll compliance is still not simple, especially for companies with employees in Wisconsin and other states with different rates and rules.
Wisconsin Minimum Wage Rate Table
| Jurisdiction | 2026 Minimum Wage |
|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $7.25 |
| Federal minimum wage | $7.25 |
Overtime Rules in Wisconsin
Wisconsin requires overtime pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek, at 1.5x the employee's regular rate. There is no daily overtime trigger under Wisconsin law.
Paid Sick Leave and Family Leave
Wisconsin does not require employers to provide paid sick leave, and there is no state paid family and medical leave (PFML) program. Employers that want to offer these benefits do so voluntarily, and should document the policy clearly in an employee handbook.
Tipped Wages and Local Ordinances
| Opportunity wage | An employee under 20 may be paid $5.90 an hour for the first 90 consecutive days with the employer. A tipped opportunity employee may be paid $2.13. [Wis. Admin. Code DWD 272] |
|---|---|
| Tipped employees | The cash wage is at least $2.33 an hour, and if wage plus tips does not average $7.25 over the pay period the employer makes up the difference. The averaging period is the pay period, not the workweek used under federal law. [Wis. Admin. Code DWD 272] |
| Governing statute | Wisconsin sets its minimum wage by statute and administrative rule rather than adopting the federal rate by reference, so a future federal increase would not automatically change the Wisconsin figure. [Wis. Stat. ch. 104] |
What This Means for Payroll Compliance
Even in a federal-minimum state like Wisconsin, payroll compliance is not "set it and forget it." Employers with workers across multiple states need to apply the correct minimum wage and overtime rule to each work location, every pay period. Getting it wrong exposes the business to back-wage claims, liquidated damages, and Department of Labor penalties.
This is exactly the kind of multi-state complexity BEG's managed payroll service is built to absorb. We register in each state where you have employees, apply the correct rate and overtime rule automatically, and keep your filings current as rules change.
Managed Payroll, Handled.
BEG manages payroll at $45 per employee per month, all-inclusive. Get an instant cost comparison for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in Wisconsin in 2026?
Wisconsin's minimum wage in 2026 is $7.25 per hour, matching the federal minimum wage, per the U.S. Department of Labor.
Does Wisconsin have its own overtime law?
Yes. Wisconsin requires overtime pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek, at 1.5x the employee's regular rate, similar to the federal FLSA structure.
Does Wisconsin require paid sick leave?
No. Wisconsin does not mandate paid sick leave or a state paid family and medical leave program. Employers may offer these benefits voluntarily.
Can Wisconsin cities set a higher minimum wage?
Wisconsin state law generally preempts local minimum wage ordinances. Always confirm current rules with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development before assuming a city-level rate applies.
What is the Wisconsin opportunity wage?
A $5.90 an hour rate that Wisconsin allows for employees under 20 during their first 90 consecutive days with an employer, under DWD 272. After 90 days, or once the employee turns 20, the full $7.25 applies. Tipped opportunity employees may be paid $2.13.
What should multi-state employers with Wisconsin workers watch for?
Employers with staff in Wisconsin and other states need to apply the correct rate per work location, since neighboring states may have higher minimums or different overtime triggers.
Anthony leads payroll solutions at Business Executive Group, a national managed payroll firm serving businesses across industries. BEG manages payroll at $45 PEPM, all-inclusive, with deep expertise in compliance, multi-state filing, and industry-specific payroll requirements. Get instant pricing at beghr.com.
From the blog