Minimum wage workers in the U.S. make the same federal minimum wage today as they did 15 years ago

Question

This claim is true. The federal minimum wage in the United States has been $7.25 per hour since July 24, 2009. Despite inflation and rising living costs, Congress has not passed any increases to the federal rate in over 15 years. While many states and cities have raised their own minimum wages during this time, millions of workers especially in states that follow the federal standard still earn only $7.25.

Because living expenses, housing costs, and food prices have increased significantly since 2009, the real value of the federal minimum wage is lower today than it was 15 years ago. Researchers estimate that the buying power of $7.25 has dropped by about 30% since it was last raised. This means that even though the number hasn’t changed, the wage is effectively worth much less in today’s economy.

So the claim that the federal minimum wage has stayed the same for 15 years is accurate, and it highlights ongoing debates about wage policy, cost of living, and economic inequality.

Answer 1

The claim that minimum wage workers in the United States make the same federal minimum wage today as they did 15 years ago is true. According to primary sources from the U.S. Department of Labor, the federal minimum wage has remained at $7.25 per hour since July 24, 2009, and Congress has not passed any legislation to raise it since then. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that inflation and the cost of living have increased significantly over this period, meaning the real purchasing power of $7.25 is substantially lower today than it was in 2009. Secondary reporting from major news organizations and economic research groups confirms that although many states and cities have enacted higher minimum wages, millions of workers—particularly in states that follow the federal standard—still earn $7.25. While government agencies aim to provide neutral data and media outlets may frame the issue within broader debates about inequality, the available evidence strongly supports the claim and underscores its economic significance.