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.
The Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act (43 P.S. §333.101 et seq.), enacted in 1968, sets the state minimum wage at $7.25 per hour — the same as the federal Fair Labor Standards Act floor since the last increase in 2009. The tipped minimum is $2.83 per hour, with employers required to make up the difference if tips don't bring the worker to $7.25. The Act has been interpreted by the Commonwealth Court to preempt municipal minimum wage ordinances, most notably in Building Owners and Managers Ass'n of Pittsburgh v. City of Pittsburgh (2018), which struck down a paid sick leave ordinance, and in earlier rulings on Philadelphia's 2014 attempt to set a $10.88 city minimum for workers at companies receiving city contracts (the contracting provision survived but a general minimum wage hike was not adopted citywide). The PA Department of Labor & Industry enforces wage and hour law under 43 P.S. §333.108. Multiple legislative proposals to raise the state minimum to $15/hr have stalled in the General Assembly since 2019. Cities cannot adopt local minimum wages applicable to private employers; they can only set wage floors for their own employees and direct contractors.
Failure to pay the state minimum wage is recoverable under 43 P.S. §333.113 — employees may recover unpaid wages plus liquidated damages and attorney's fees. The PA Department of Labor & Industry may issue civil penalties up to $300 per violation and refer willful violations for criminal prosecution. Cities passing preempted minimum wage ordinances face declaratory judgment actions in Commonwealth Court.
Allentown, PA
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Allentown, PA
Allentown regulates electric vehicle charging infrastructure for residential and commercial properties. Building codes may require EV-ready parking in new co...
Allentown, PA
Allentown regulates overnight parking on public streets. Many areas restrict parking between certain hours or require permits for overnight street parking.
Allentown, PA
Allentown requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Allentown, PA
Allentown requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Allentown, PA
Allentown restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and nuisa...
See how Allentown's minimum wage preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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