Current Estimates Show a Decline in Michigan Minimum Wage Workers

Estimating the number of workers earning the state’s minimum wage or minimum tipped wage can be challenging. However, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages Survey provides a reliable estimate of the number of workers earning below specific wage thresholds.

What is the current minimum wage in Michigan?

On Jan. 1, 2025, Michigan’s minimum wage increased from $10.33 to $10.56 and the tipped minimum wage increased from $3.93 to $4.01 following the usual rate increase schedule. 

The state’s minimum and tipped wages will increase again Feb. 21 in accordance with the recent Michigan Supreme Court ruling regarding the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act (Public Act 337 of 2018) schedule.

How many workers make minimum wage?

In 2023, approximately 79,000 Michigan jobs paid $11 per hour or less, making up less than 2 percent of all wage earners in the state. 

Please note: There are no public data available to provide the exact count of workers that make minimum wage. The Michigan Center for Data and Analytics (MCDA) can estimate the number of jobs earning under certain dollar thresholds.

 

In 2023, there were approximately 800,000 fewer jobs that paid under $15 per hour than in 2019.

 

Source: Michigan Center for Data and Analytics
Note: An update to the methodology used to calculate wages in 2021 caused some shifts in the number of jobs at each wage level.

How many workers make the tipped minimum wage?

In 2023, there were approximately 85,000 wait staff and bartenders in Michigan.

Please note: There are no public data available to provide the exact count of workers that make a tipped minimum wage. Survey data collected by MCDA in cooperation with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) contains total wages, including tips. The number of occupations categorized as wait staff and bartenders is the best proxy for this figure. In addition to those working in the restaurant industry, tipped workers may also include other service industry employees, such as hair stylists, barbers, gaming dealers, etc.

What occupations and industries are most likely impacted by a rising minimum wage?

The occupations with the most workers earning these lower wages include fast food and counter workers, cashiers, and home health and personal care aides. The industries that have the most jobs in these lower wage categories include the food services and drinking places; educational services; and amusement, gambling, and recreation sectors. 

Where does this data come from?

Michigan’s occupation and wage data are estimates developed by MCDA using survey results from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics federal/state cooperative program in partnership with the BLS. Updated occupation and wage data for 2024 will be available in April 2025. These estimates are not official BLS data and should be sourced to the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics.