Michigan’s Minimum Wage Increases in 2025: What Workers Need to Know
- Royce Nunley
- Feb 12, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 3
Michigan’s minimum wage has continued to rise incrementally since the original debate in 2018, but it’s still a long way from what many consider a living wage. As of January 1, 2025, the minimum wage for most workers in Michigan is:
$10.33 per hour
This wage increase is part of the gradual annual increases outlined in the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act (IWOWA). The act originally aimed to increase Michigan’s minimum wage to $12.00 per hour by 2022, but was altered by Public Act 368 of 2018, passed during a lame-duck session of the Michigan legislature. That amendment delayed the full $12.05 minimum wage target until 2030, far short of the expectations voters had when the initiative gained momentum in 2018.
2025 Minimum Wage Breakdown in Michigan
Standard Minimum Wage (Non-tipped employees): $10.33/hour
Tipped Minimum Wage: $3.93/hour (must earn at least $10.33/hour including tips)
Minors aged 16-17: 85% of the standard rate = $8.78/hour
Training wage (first 90 days for 16-19-year-olds): $4.25/hour
What About Paid Sick Leave?
Alongside wage increases, Michigan workers also have protections under the Paid Medical Leave Act, which went into effect in March 2019.
As of 2025, eligible employees in Michigan must be allowed to accrue paid sick leave:
1 hour of paid sick time for every 35 hours worked
Up to 40 hours of paid sick time per year
Employers may front-load all 40 hours at the beginning of the year
Accrued time can be used for personal illness, care of a family member, public health emergencies, or domestic violence-related needs
Important: Not all employees are covered. Exemptions include:
Part-time employees at small businesses (fewer than 50 employees)
Independent contractors
Seasonal or temporary workers
A Missed Opportunity for Michigan Workers?
Many advocates continue to argue that $10.33 an hour is not a living wage in Michigan, especially with rising housing, food, and health care costs. The original initiative behind IWOWA intended to give workers faster and more substantial increases. But when Michigan’s legislature intervened with Public Act 368, they altered the timeline and scaled back protections — sparking public frustration and renewed interest in future ballot initiatives.
Will Michigan See Another Ballot Initiative?
It’s very possible. With cost of living still outpacing wage growth, worker advocacy groups may again push for legislation — or a public vote — to raise Michigan’s minimum wage to a more livable level. As we've seen in the past, these initiatives can gain major traction and significantly shape state labor policy.
Know Your Rights as a Michigan Employee
If you're unsure whether your employer is in compliance with minimum wage or sick leave laws, or if you’re facing workplace violations, it’s essential to speak with an attorney who understands Michigan’s labor laws.
At The Nunley Law Group, we stay on top of wage and labor law developments to help protect the rights of Michigan workers. If you have questions about wage theft, sick leave, or employment violations, contact us today for a consultation.
📞 Call now or visit www.nunleylawgroup.com
| About the Author
Email. Royce@nunleylawgroup.com
Tel. 586-778-4555
Royce Nunley is the founder and lead attorney at The Nunley Law Group, where he represents clients in the areas of Family Law, Criminal Defense, Social Security Disability, and Personal Injury. Known for his client-focused approach and legal insight, Royce is deeply committed to delivering personalized legal solutions tailored to each individual's needs.
Royce earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish, Cum Laude, from Wayne State University, and continued his education at Wayne State University Law School, where he received his Juris Doctorate, also Cum Laude. His academic excellence laid a strong foundation for a career marked by both compassion and tenacity in the courtroom.
Royce has been recognized for his outstanding work in Family Law, earning the distinction of Super Lawyers "Rising Star" for six consecutive years—2019 through 2024—an honor reserved for only the top 2.5% of attorneys in the state.
With a reputation for taking the time to truly understand his clients and their legal challenges, Royce ensures that every person who walks through his door receives the respect, transparency, and tireless advocacy they deserve.
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