Minimum Wage Preemption: Des Moines vs West Des Moines
How do minimum wage preemption rules compare between Des Moines, IA and West Des Moines, IA?
Des Moines has fewer restrictions than West Des Moines.
Des Moines, IA
Polk County
Iowa Code §331.304 preempts local minimum wage laws statewide; the 2017 HF 295 retroactively voided the Polk County and Des Moines wage increases, leaving the federal $7.25 floor in effect.
View full Des Moines rules →West Des Moines, IA
Polk County
Iowa Code 331.301(6) preempts counties and cities from adopting minimum wage rates that exceed the Iowa state minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
View full West Des Moines rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Des Moines | West Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Floor | $7.25 federal | - |
| Tipped | $4.35 with credit | - |
| Preemption | IA Code §331.304 | - |
| HF 295 | 2017 retroactive | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Des Moines FAQ
Can Des Moines raise the wage?
No. HF 295 explicitly bars cities and counties from setting any local minimum wage above the state and federal $7.25 floor.
What happened to the 2016 Polk County hike?
It was voided retroactively by HF 295 in 2017. Some employers kept higher wages voluntarily, but no local government can enforce a local minimum.
West Des Moines FAQ
Can Iowa cities set a higher minimum wage?
No. Iowa Code 331.301(6) and 364.3(12) preempt cities and counties from setting minimum wages above the state level.
What is Iowa's current minimum wage?
Iowa's minimum wage matches the federal $7.25 per hour. State law has not increased it since 2008.
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