Jackson cannot raise the minimum wage above the federal $7.25 per hour. Mississippi Code §17-1-51 expressly preempts city and county wage floors. Mississippi itself has no state minimum, so federal FLSA controls.
Mississippi enacted §17-1-51 in 2013 specifically to block local wage ordinances. The statute prohibits any county or municipality from establishing a minimum wage, paid leave requirement, or benefit mandate that exceeds state or federal law. Because Mississippi sets no state minimum wage, the federal Fair Labor Standards Act rate of $7.25 per hour (and $2.13 for tipped employees with a tip credit) governs. Jackson's city council has discussed wage proposals over the years but has no legal authority to enact one. Activists have challenged §17-1-51 unsuccessfully; courts treat it as a clear exercise of Dillon's Rule supremacy.
Workers paid less than $7.25 per hour can file FLSA complaints with the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division for back wages plus liquidated damages. Jackson cannot enforce any higher local rate.
Jackson, MS
Jackson cannot enact a hotel living-wage law. Mississippi Code §17-1-51 preempts all local minimum wage and benefit mandates, leaving the federal $7.25 floor...
Jackson, MS
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See how Jackson's minimum wage preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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