Announcing City of Saint Paul Minimum Wage Rates for 2027

SAINT PAUL – The City of Saint Paul is announcing its minimum wage rates for 2027, with new rates taking effect January 1 and July 1, 2027, based on business size. The minimum wage for employees in Saint Paul is adjusted annually for inflation.  

Effective January 1, 2027, the minimum wage hourly rate will be:

• $17.02 for large and macro businesses (101+ employees)
• $16.37 for small businesses (6–100 employees)
• $14.25 for micro businesses (5 employees or fewer)

Effective July 1, 2027, the minimum wage hourly rates will be:

• $17.02 for large and macro businesses (101+ employees)
• $17.02 for small businesses (6–100 employees)
• $15.00 for micro businesses (5 employees or fewer)

Employers must count all employees when determining business size, including full-time, part-time, jointly employed, temporary and remote employees.

CITY ENFORCES LABOR STANDARDS TO PROTECT WORKERS

Saint Paul’s minimum wage requirements are part of the City’s broader labor standards protections. HREEO investigates alleged violations and takes enforcement action when employers fail to comply with City labor standards Ordinances.  

In a recent case, HREEO found that St. Paws LLC, a former Saint Paul dog daycare and boarding facility, violated the City’s Minimum Wage and Earned Sick and Safe Time Ordinances. The investigation found that 58 employees were denied required ESST rights and 8 employees were paid below the required minimum wage rate. On August 12, 2026, the Saint Paul City Council subsequently ordered St. Paws LLC to pay $40,201.23 in restitution to 61 employees, which includes back pay and liquidated damages.  

This case underscores the City’s commitment to enforcing labor standards and holding employers accountable to protect workers’ rights in Saint Paul.

ABOUT SAINT PAUL'S MINIMUM WAGE ORDINANCE AND LABOR STANDARDS DIVISION

On November 14, 2018, the Saint Paul City Council unanimously approved Chapter 224, the City's Minimum Wage Ordinance, which was subsequently signed into law. The Ordinance establishes minimum wage rates based on business size. Wage schedules, updated workplace notice posters, and additional information are available at stpaul.gov/minimumwage.

The Labor Standards Division within the Saint Paul Department of Human Rights & Equal Economic Opportunity (HREEO) is responsible for the education and enforcement of the City's Minimum Wage, Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST), and Wage Theft Ordinances. The division provides free training and education to workers and businesses in Saint Paul.  

Employers and employees with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the Labor Standards Division at 651-266-8966 or by email at laborstandards@ci.stpaul.mn.us.

###