Minimum Wage Preemption: Penn Hills vs Pittsburgh
How do minimum wage preemption rules compare between Penn Hills, PA and Pittsburgh, PA?
Penn Hills and Pittsburgh have similar restriction levels.
Penn Hills, PA
Allegheny County
Pennsylvania's minimum wage remains $7.25 per hour, matching the federal floor under the PA Minimum Wage Act (43 P.S. §333.101 et seq.). State law preempts local minimum wage ordinances — Philadelphia attempted a $10.88 city wage in 2014 that was struck down by Commonwealth Court. The tipped minimum is $2.83. Pennsylvania has not raised the state wage since 2009.
View full Penn Hills rules →Pittsburgh, PA
Allegheny County
Pennsylvania law sets the minimum wage at the federal floor of $7.25 per hour and preempts cities from raising it locally. Pittsburgh cannot enact a higher general minimum wage despite repeated council efforts and statewide debate.
View full Pittsburgh rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Penn Hills | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| PA minimum wage | - | $7.25 per hour |
| Tipped subminimum | - | $2.83 per hour |
| Preemption statute | - | 43 P.S. 333.114a |
| Last raised | - | 2009 federal increase |
| Local override | - | expressly prohibited |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Penn Hills FAQ
What is the minimum wage in Pennsylvania?
$7.25 per hour, the same as the federal floor. Tipped workers must be paid at least $2.83 per hour with tips bringing them to $7.25. PA has not raised the rate since 2009.
Can my city set a higher minimum wage in PA?
No. The PA Minimum Wage Act preempts local minimum wage ordinances for private employers. Cities can only set wages for their own employees and direct contractors, not for private businesses in their jurisdiction.
Did Philadelphia really try to raise its minimum wage?
Yes. Philadelphia passed wage measures in 2014 that survived only as applied to city contractors. A broader citywide minimum wage applicable to private employers would be preempted under current Commonwealth Court precedent.
Pittsburgh FAQ
Can Pittsburgh raise its minimum wage?
No. Pennsylvania's Minimum Wage Act preempts municipal wage floors. Pittsburgh can only set wages for its own employees and contractors under the Living Wage Ordinance, not private employers citywide.
Has Harrisburg considered an increase?
Repeatedly. Multiple bills proposing $12 or $15 floors have passed the Senate or House but stalled. As of 2026, Pennsylvania remains tied with the federal $7.25 minimum wage.
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