What should I be making per hour?

Question

I am in Ohio.
State min wage went from $5.15 to $6.85.
I am a tipped employee in a small restaurant. My employer annouced yesterday that they did not have to go by the state wage of $6.85 because they didn't gross enough in a year so they go by the federal wage of $5.15. I don't know what the gross amount was.
I have been trying to call the local wage and hour and getting no where fast. I have been reading the internet site and getting more confused. The Ohio website is apparently down today.
Any input would be greatly appreciated. From where I stand at the moment the wage increase did not help the common worker.

Answer 1

You are soooo lucky, in PA. the minimum wage for tipped employees is $2.83 an hour. But at least I don't have to live in Ohio. =D

Answer 2

Your employer is likely correct. Small businesses are often exempt from this kind of minimum wage, at least for a year or two. The legislation is just a "feel good" measure that will not affect most workers. 90% of the jobs in the United States are created by small business.

Talk to the labor board. Have them make sure that your employer is in compliance with the new law. If he is, and you are still unhappy, look for another job. If enough people quit, he may find he has to raise wages.

Answer 3

As a tipped employee, you can be paid less then the minimum wage.

Your wage + tips should equal or be greater than the minimum.

Be glad you get the federal wage+ tips.

Answer 4

you should be happy your boss is going to pay you the states minimum wage. where i live , because you are a tipped employee, it counts as part of your wage and the employee only has to pay the difference between minimum wage and what your average tips are.

Answer 5

I would say that they didn't increase by the time all your taxes came out.