Federal Minimum Wage:

How much should foreign workers be paid?

We recommend paying the prevailing wage. Foreign workers should be paid the same amounts as their American counterparts. Better wages tend to increase mutual satisfaction and productivity of the workers. Employers hiring international workers must comply with both state and federal minimum wage laws.

Foreign workers must be paid at least the greater of state and federal minimum wages. Please note that according to Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of the US Department of Labor the federal wage is $6.55 per hour effective July 24, 2008; and $7.25 per hour effective July 24, 2009. Many states also have minimum wage laws.

For more information please refer to the US Department of Labor web site.