The federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour applies to most Georgia employees. Georgia's state-law minimum of $5.15 applies only to employers not covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. Tipped employees must be paid at least $2.13 per hour, but employers must ensure wages and tips combined equal at least the minimum wage.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage in Georgia is $24.64. Wages vary by occupation, industry, and location.
A guide to hourly labor laws in Georgia
- General: Minors under 16 are restricted from dangerous employment (Ga. Code § 39-2-2). No employment during school hours with limited exceptions (Ga. Code § 39-2-4).
- Hours: No work between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. (Ga. Code § 39-2-3) (29 C.F.R. § 570.35).
- School sessions: Up to four hours per day on school days, eight hours per day on non-school days (Ga. Code § 39-2-7), and 18 hours per week on school weeks (29 C.F.R. § 570.35).
- Non-school sessions: Up to eight hours per day and 40 hours per week. Working hours: only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., extended until 9 p.m. June 1 through Labor Day (29 C.F.R. § 570.35).
What is the difference between gross wages and net wages?
It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.
What is a good hourly wage?
It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.
Offering competitive pay is one of my top priorities—what other resources do you have that might help?
It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.
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