Michigan Statewide Rule

Michigan Minimum Wage — Local Preemption

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Michigan (2026)

Michigan minimum wage is set by the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act (PA 337 of 2018). The Local Labor Regulatory Limitation Act (PA 105 of 2015, MCL §123.1381+) preempts local wage and scheduling ordinances. The 2024 Mothering Justice ruling restored 2018 ballot initiatives, scheduling step-ups toward $12.48 by 2028.

Full Breakdown

PA 105 of 2015 (MCL §123.1381–123.1396) preempts local governments from regulating private-sector wages, fringe benefits, leave, work schedules, prevailing wages on private projects, or employee ID requirements. State minimum wage is governed by PA 337 of 2018, which set $10.56/hr as of 2024 with tipped wage at $4.01/hr. In July 2024, the Michigan Supreme Court decided Mothering Justice v. Attorney General, holding the 2018 Legislature unconstitutionally adopted-and-amended two ballot initiatives. The Court restored the original wage schedule, reaching ~$12.48/hr by 2028 with full tipped-wage phaseout. LEO Wage and Hour enforces.

Violations & Penalties

Local ordinances regulating wages or scheduling are void under MCL §123.1383. Employer underpayment of state minimum wage is recoverable by employees through Wage and Hour complaints (LEO) with double damages and attorney fees for willful violations under PA 337.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Detroit or Ann Arbor set a higher local minimum wage?

No. PA 105 of 2015 preempts local wage ordinances. Any city or township ordinance setting a higher private-sector minimum wage is unenforceable.

What is the Michigan minimum wage right now?

As of 2024, $10.56/hour standard and $4.01/hour for tipped workers. Following the Mothering Justice decision, scheduled step-ups raise the floor toward roughly $12.48 by 2028 with full tipped-wage phaseout.

What was the Mothering Justice ruling?

A July 2024 Michigan Supreme Court decision holding that the Legislature could not constitutionally adopt-and-amend the 2018 wage and paid-leave ballot initiatives, restoring the original initiatives schedule.

Sources

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