Bill > HB1549

This bill amends the Minimum Wage Act of 1968 to create a tiered minimum wage system based on county classification in Pennsylvania. The bill introduces a graduated minimum wage structure where employees in different county classes will receive different hourly wages, starting in 2026. Specifically, employees in first-class counties (typically the most populated) will receive $15 per hour beginning January 1, 2026, with annual cost-of-living adjustments calculated using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers (CPI-U). Employees in second-class, second-class A, third-class, certain fourth-class, and sixth-class counties will see minimum wages rise to $12 an hour in 2026, increasing to $15 an hour by 2028. Employees in other county classes (fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth) will see minimum wages rise from $10 to $12 an hour between 2026 and 2028. The bill also maintains a provision allowing employers to pay training wages to workers under 20 years old for the first 60 days of employment at a lower rate, with restrictions to prevent displacing existing workers. Annual cost-of-living adjustments will be calculated and published by the secretary, with increases rounded to the nearest five cents. The bill will take effect 60 days after enactment.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1549