Minimum Wage in Arizona

Federal vs. state minimum wage

The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour and has been since July 2009. When a state (or city) sets a higher minimum, the higher rate is what employers must pay. When the state rate is lower or nonexistent, the federal $7.25 applies to employees covered by the FLSA.

As of January 2026, the Arizona (AZ) minimum wage is about $14.70 per hour, above the federal $7.25. Rates are revisited regularly (often each January), so confirm the current figure with the official source below before you run payroll.

Some Arizona cities set a higher local minimum wage than the state — including Flagstaff and Tucson. Always check the rate for the specific city where your employees work.

Tipped employees

Tipped workers can be paid a lower cash wage as long as tips bring them up to at least the full applicable minimum wage. The federal tipped cash wage is $2.13 per hour, but many states require a higher tipped wage — and a few require the full minimum with no tip credit. Arizona employers should verify the tipped rules that apply locally.

Staying compliant

Because minimum-wage rates change and can differ by city, the safest approach is to check the official rate at the start of each year and whenever you hire in a new locality. Keep accurate time records so you can always show that pay met or exceeded the minimum for every hour worked.

Official sources

• U.S. DOL — Minimum wage by state
• U.S. DOL — State overtime
• U.S. DOL — State labor offices

More Arizona guides

Minimum wage in other states

Arizona minimum wage: frequently asked questions