Idaho Minimum Wage 2026: Rates, Tipped and Training Wage

Idaho minimum wage rates for 2026

Source: Idaho Department of Labor, labor law FAQ, Idaho Code Section 44-1502 and the U.S. Department of Labor tipped wage table.

Why Idaho’s rate is $7.25

Idaho Code Section 44-1502 sets the minimum at $7.25 and says it must conform to and track the federal minimum wage. Because the federal rate has not changed since July 24, 2009, Idaho’s has not either. No increase is scheduled for January 1, 2027 on the official pages. If Congress raises the federal rate, Idaho’s would follow.

Want the bigger debate? Read the pros and cons of raising the minimum wage.

Idaho’s new-hire wage for workers under 20

You may pay a new employee under 20 years old $4.25 an hour, but only for the first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment. After that, or once the worker turns 20, pay must be at least $7.25. Track the start date for every young hire so the rate ends on time. Our guide to the minimum age to work covers hour limits for teens.

Tipped employees in Idaho

An employee who regularly gets more than $30 a month in tips can be paid $3.35 an hour in cash. If tips plus the cash wage do not reach $7.25 for each hour worked, the employer must make up the difference. Test a week with the tip credit calculator.

Overtime in Idaho

Idaho follows the federal FLSA: time and a half for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek, unless the employee is exempt. Each workweek stands alone. The Idaho Department of Labor gives this example: an employee who works 48 hours one week and 22 the next is owed 8 overtime hours for the first week. You cannot average the two weeks. See the FLSA overtime rules.

Worked example: one week at $7.25

• Hours worked: 42
• Regular pay: 40 x $7.25 = $290.00
• Overtime rate: $7.25 x 1.5 = $10.875
• Overtime pay: 2 x $10.875 = $21.75
• Total for the week: $311.75

For tipped staff, overtime is based on the full $7.25 minimum, not the $3.35 cash wage.

Breaks and final paychecks

• Breaks: Idaho law does not require rest breaks or meal periods. Employees get breaks only if your policy offers them.
• Final pay: when an employee quits, is fired or is laid off, wages are due by the next regular payday or within 10 days, weekends and holidays excluded, whichever comes first. If the employee asks in writing, pay is due within 48 hours of the request, weekends and holidays excluded.
• Deductions: only those required by law or authorized in writing, and in most cases they cannot drop pay below the minimum wage.

How Idaho compares with neighbors

Figures from the U.S. Department of Labor state table, updated November 5, 2026. Employers near the Washington border often pay more to keep staff.

Idaho employer checklist

1. Display the employee rights posters published by the Idaho Department of Labor.
2. Pay at least $7.25, or $3.35 cash plus tips that reach $7.25.
3. End the $4.25 new-hire rate after 90 days or at age 20.
4. Pay final wages on time after any separation.
5. Record all hours so overtime after 40 is paid.

Simple time tracking for Idaho teams

EZTime’s GPS time clock app captures punches by phone, kiosk or NFC tap, sends overtime alerts and builds payroll-ready exports. Plan shifts, swaps and time-off requests with shift scheduling.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum wage in Idaho?

$7.25 per hour, according to the Idaho Department of Labor. State law ties it to the federal minimum wage.

What is the tipped minimum wage in Idaho?

$3.35 per hour in cash for employees who get more than $30 a month in tips. Wages plus tips must reach $7.25 an hour.

Can Idaho employers pay a training wage?

Yes. New hires under 20 can be paid $4.25 per hour for their first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment.

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Updated November 2026. Rates verified against official state sources on November 14, 2026. General information only; not legal advice.