Wisconsin minimum wage in 2026 (and 2027)
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Wisconsin's minimum wage is $7.25 an hour in 2026, the same as the federal rate in place since July 24, 2009. The state has posted no 2027 change, and our local research found no general local rate in Milwaukee, Madison or any other Wisconsin city. The real Wisconsin difference is the tax bill, since a new employer's 3.05% unemployment rate pushes one full-time $7.25 worker to $16,702.62 a year all in.
- 2026 minimum wage
- $7.25an hour
- Tipped cash wage
- $2.33an hour
- 2027
- Not announcedas of October 2026
- Federal floor
- $7.25an hour
On this page
Wisconsin's tipped and opportunity wages
Wisconsin writes its own tipped number: $2.33 in cash, 20 cents more than federal law requires, so the tip credit is $4.92. A narrower rule covers tipped opportunity employees, meaning under-20s in their first 90 days, who may receive $2.13. Whichever applies, any week where tips leave a worker below $7.25 an hour is a week you pay the balance.
Premium pay starts after 40 hours in the workweek, at $10.875 for someone earning $7.25.
From hourly rate to annual pay
Multiply $7.25 by 2,080 hours and a full-time Wisconsin year is worth $15,080.00, or $1,256.67 if you pay monthly, which state law allows. Weekly, it is $290.00.
A monthly payday must cover wages earned through a date no more than 31 days earlier.
Wisconsin unemployment tax is the biggest state line
| Item | Annual cost |
|---|---|
| Wages | $15,080.00 |
| Social Security and Medicare (7.65%) | $1,153.62 |
| FUTA (0.6% x first $7,000) | $42.00 |
| Wisconsin unemployment tax (3.05% x $14,000 wage base) | $427.00 |
| Total | $16,702.62 |
DWD 2026 UI tax rates (payroll under $500,000, Schedule D), with IRS Pub 15 and DOL for the federal lines. Checked Oct 2026.
The 3.05% applies to new employers with taxable payroll under $500,000; at $500,000 or more it is 3.25%, which would make this line $455.00 and the total $16,730.62. Both figures already include the solvency surcharge under Schedule D. Workers' compensation is required once you have 3 employees, or any employee paid $500 or more in a calendar quarter. The employee cost calculator handles other wage levels, and the SUTA table shows how 3.05% compares.
Higher rates on three sides
Wisconsin employers near the borders recruit against higher floors. Illinois pays $15.00 at employers of 4 or more, which matters in Kenosha and Beloit. Minnesota pays $11.41 and rises to $11.87 in 2027, relevant around Hudson and La Crosse. Michigan pays $13.73 and goes to $15.00 on January 1, 2027, next to Marinette. Only Iowa matches Wisconsin at $7.25. Every state is on the 2026 state minimum wage table.
Running payroll for Wisconsin hourly staff
Final pay is due by the next regular payday or within 31 days, whichever comes first, for both quits and terminations. Registration with the Department of Workforce Development and the Department of Revenue is on the Wisconsin payroll tax page.
Gusto bills its Simple plan at $49 a month plus $6 for each person on payroll (checked October 16, 2026). Our payroll software rankings compare it with the other providers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Wisconsin minimum wage in 2026?
Will the Wisconsin minimum wage increase in 2027?
What is the tipped minimum wage in Wisconsin?
How much is minimum wage a year in Wisconsin?
Does Milwaukee or Madison have a higher minimum wage?
Sources (4)
- U.S. Department of Labor: State minimum wage laws (updated July 1, 2026) (checked Oct 18, 2026)
- U.S. Department of Labor: Minimum wages for tipped employees (checked Oct 16, 2026)
- Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development: 2026 UI tax rates (checked Oct 16, 2026)
- Gusto: Gusto pricing (checked Oct 16, 2026)
This page is general information, not tax, legal or accounting advice. Rules and rates change, so check the official source linked above before you file or sign a contract. Read our disclaimer.