was first set in 1938. The graph shows
nominal (blue diamonds) and real (red squares) minimum wage
values. Nominal values
range from $0.25/hr
in 1938 to the current $7.25/hr.
The
graph adjusts these wages to 2015 dollars (red squares) to show
the
real value of the minimum wage. The
1968
minimum
wage was
the highest at $10.85. The
real dollar minimum wage (red squares) falls when Congress
does not raise the minimum wage to keep up with inflation.
The minimum wage last increased in three $0.70 increments--to
$5.85 in July, 2007,
$6.55 in July, 2008, and to $7.25 in July 2009.
Many cities and
states
have
departed from the federal minimum wage. In 2015, San Francisco's
minimum wage went to 12.25 on May 1. It will rise to $15
per hour, July 1, 2018. The highest state is
Washington's minimum wage at $9.47, and Oregon's is second at $9.25.
California's minimum wage will go to $10/hour in 2016.
![[graph]](minwage.jpg)
![[graph]](minpov.jpg)
![[graph]](minperpov.jpg)
