How to use the youth minimum wage calculator
United States federal law has no general probation wage that lets an employer pay a new hire a reduced rate while they learn the job. The only federal subminimum rate of this kind is tied to the worker's age, not to a trial period, so the comparison below is built around that rule.
Under 29 U.S.C. section 206(g) an employer may pay a youth minimum wage of $4.25 an hour to an employee who is under 20 years of age, and only during that employee's first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment with the employer. The full minimum wage applies as soon as the 90 days end or the employee turns 20, whichever comes first, and the statute forbids displacing other employees to make room for a youth-wage hire. Where a state or local minimum wage is higher than the federal $7.25 rate the higher rate applies, and a number of states do not permit a youth subminimum wage at all.
Rates shown reflect September 2026. Because both the federal figure and state rates are changed by legislation, confirm the current numbers with the Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division or your state labor agency before relying on them.
This calculator is for reference only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed employment attorney about your specific situation.
Frequently asked questions
No. Under 29 U.S.C. section 206(g) the youth minimum wage applies only to employees under 20 years of age and only during their first 90 consecutive calendar days with that employer. It is an age rule, not a probation rule.
The full applicable minimum wage applies from that point, whichever comes first. Employers also may not displace other workers, including by cutting their hours or benefits, in order to hire someone at the youth wage.
Not always. When a state or local minimum wage is higher than the federal rate the higher rate applies, and several states do not allow a youth subminimum wage at all. Enter the rate that actually applies where you work.