A look at state’s minimum wage workers

Published 10:23 am Friday, February 26, 2016

ST. PAUL — State labor officials have released a snapshot of minimum wage workers in Minnesota.

The Department of Labor and Industry says there are nearly 1.6 million hourly workers in Minnesota. And, about 216,000 made $9 an hour or less in 2015. The state minimum wage was raised to $9 an hour as of Aug. 1, 2015 for employers with annual revenues of at least $500,000. It will increase to $9.50 this Aug. 1.

Labor officials say 34 percent of Minnesota’s minimum wage employees work in eating and drinking places, and 40 percent of them receive tips, overtime or commissions.

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The labor department’s analysis shows women are more likely than men to be paid the minimum wage. And, 45 percent of minimum wage workers are older than the 24.