What is Arizona's minimum wage?

$14.35 per hour as of January 1, 2024. 

 

Does the minimum wage change?

The minimum wage increased by a set amount each January 1st in 2018, 2019, and 2020:

On January 1st of each year after 2020, the state’s minimum wage will be adjusted based on a cost of living formula: 

 

What if the federal minimum wage is lower than Arizona’s minimum wage?

Arizona’s employers must pay Arizona’s minimum wage. Minimum wage laws require employers to always pay the higher of the federal or state minimum wage.

 

Does an employer have to post a notice about the state minimum wage law?

Yes. This notice should be posted where other required notices are posted.

 

Does an employee have the right to look at and copy their payroll records?

Yes. Also, an employee can have a designated representative, such as a parent, attorney or union representative, look at the employee’s payroll records. (A.R.S. § 23-364(D))

 

Are tipped employees covered under the Arizona Minimum Wage and Sick Pay Initiative?

Yes. For employees who customarily and regularly receive tips, the employer can pay up to $3.00 less than the minimum wage per hour. 

 

EXCEPTIONS

Are any employees not covered by the law?

Employees employed by Arizona government or the federal government are not covered by this law.

 

Is the employer required to pay employees the state minimum wage if Federal law does not require the employer to pay a minimum wage or salary?

Yes. The Arizona Industrial Commission takes the position that employers must pay all employees the state minimum wage for each hour worked in a week even if the employer does not have to pay the employee a weekly salary under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”). For example, under the FLSA, employers do not have to pay a minimum salary to outside salesperson paid on commission. However, Arizona’s minimum wage law requires employers to pay the outside salesperson paid on commission the state minimum wage when the weekly sales commission falls below the state minimum wage.

 

EMPLOYER REQUIREMENTS

Are employees protected from retaliation if they make a claim under the Arizona minimum wage law?

Yes. Employers also cannot retaliate against an employee for making a claim under the Arizona minimum wage law or assisting any other person that makes a minimum wage claim or informs any person about their rights under the Arizona minimum wage law. (A.R.S. §23-364(B))

 

Is there an agency where complaints can be filed if an employer is not paying the minimum wage or has retaliated against an employee for complaining that the employer has not paid the minimum wage?

Yes. Complaints can be filed with the Arizona Industrial Commission located at:  

Phoenix: 800 W Washington St. Phoenix, AZ 85007 - Phone: 602-542-4515
Tucson: 2675 East Broadway, Tucson AZ 85716 - Phone: 520-628-5459
Email Address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
Website: https://www.azica.gov/forms/minimum-wage-claim-form

An employee not paid Arizona’s minimum wage may collect the lost wages and interest on those lost wages.  The employee may also be able to get an additional amount equal to twice the unpaid amount in some cases. (A.R.S. § 23-364(G))
An employee should contact the Commission no later than one year after a minimum wage pay violation last occurs.

 

Can an employee sue an employer to recover unpaid minimum wages?

Yes. Employees should consult with an employment law attorney about their right to sue.  Lawsuits about Arizona’s minimum wage law must be filed no later than two years after a violation last occurs, or three years in the case of a willful violation. (A.R.S § 23-364(H))

You can find the minimum wage law at A.R.S. §§ 23-362-364.
Some additional information published by the Arizona Industrial Commission about Arizona’s Minimum Wage law located here - https://www.azica.gov/frequently-asked-questions-about-wage-and-earned-paid-sick-time-laws

 

Laws may have changed since the last time this article was updated. The current and most up-to-date laws can be accessed here.