Are There Any Exceptions to the Minimum Wage Law?

The federal minimum wage law was established to protect workers and ensure they are compensated fairly for their labor. However, certain categories of workers are exempt from the federal minimum wage requirement due to the nature of their roles or specific provisions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Some common exceptions to the federal minimum wage law include:

Workers with disabilities may be paid below the minimum wage under specific provisions if their productivity is impacted. This is regulated under the FLSA’s Section 14(c) certificate program.

Employees under 20 years old can be paid a training wage, which is lower than the federal minimum wage, for the first 90 consecutive calendar days of their employment.

Full-time students working in retail, service industries, or agriculture may earn a lower wage if their employer holds a special certificate from the Department of Labor.

Student learners participating in vocational education programs may also qualify for a lower wage under special certification.

Tipped employees, such as servers and bartenders, can be paid a lower base wage if their tips bring their total earnings to at least the federal minimum wage.

Certain types of workers, like messengers and apprentices, may also be paid below the standard federal minimum if specific guidelines are followed.

It’s important to note that while these exceptions exist under federal law, individual states may have stricter wage laws that override these exemptions. For example, some states require tipped employees to earn the state’s minimum wage before tips are calculated.

If you believe you are being underpaid or have questions about how the minimum wage law applies to your employment, the legal team at 770GoodLaw can assist. Contact us for a free case evaluation to understand your rights and ensure you’re receiving the compensation you deserve.