FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2026
City of Saint Paul Minimum Wage Increases July 1 for Small and Micro Businesses
SAINT PAUL – Minimum wage annual increases for small and micro businesses go into effect today, July 1, 2026. The minimum wage hourly rate will be:
- $16.37 for small businesses (6-100 employees)
- $14.25 for micro businesses (5 employees or fewer)
- Minimum wage will remain at $16.37 for large and macro businesses (101+ employees).
Beginning July 1, 2026, youth workers (14-17 years old) must also be paid at least $13.95 per hour for 90 consecutive days following their hiring date. After the 90 days, these employees shall be paid the applicable City minimum wage rate based on the appropriate business size.
Employers must count all employees whether employed full-time, part-time, jointly with another employer, or working temporarily, including remote employees.
RECENT MINIMUM WAGE ENFORCEMENT ACTION
On May 20, 2026, the Saint Paul City Council adopted a Resolution finding that Class "A" Valet, Inc. violated Sections 224.03 and 224.08 of Saint Paul Legislative Code, Chapter 224, the City's Minimum Wage Ordinance.
The Department of Human Rights & Equal Economic Opportunity (HREEO) received a complaint in February 2025, alleging that employees were not being paid the required City minimum wage rate. Following an investigation, HREEO determined that Class "A" Valet, Inc., which provided contracted valet parking services in Saint Paul between February 2024 and March 1, 2025, paid covered employees between $1.00 and $2.00 below the required hourly minimum wage, and failed to provide required annual employee notices regarding the City's Minimum Wage Ordinance.
HREEO's investigation found that approximately seven employees were affected by the violations. Each employee worked approximately 952 hours during the relevant period and are entitled to $1,547 in back pay.
As a result, the City Council imposed a total restitution amount of $21,658, consisting of $10,829 in back pay and $10,829 in liquidated damages, to be paid to the seven affected employees.
ABOUT SAINT PAUL'S MINIMUM WAGE ORDINANCE AND LABOR STANDARDS DIVISION
On November 14, 2018, the Saint Paul City Council unanimously approved Chapter 244, 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.
###
Related News
Saint Paul City Council Orders $40,201 in Restitution for St. Paws LLC Labor Standards Violations
Council action reinforces commitment to holding employers accountable for violating workers’ rights
Read MoreResearch: “Project PEACE is Delivering”
Over two years, experts from from the Minnesota Justice Research Center worked closely with Project PEACE, Saint Paul’s homegrown gun-violence prevention program, to evaluate the program as it was developing. They released their findings today. Here’s the headline: “The data suggest Project PEACE is delivering. Project PEACE life coaches are keeping people safe, alive, and free—and the clients, families, and community members we spoke with made clear that this work matters.” Here are key findings, recommendations, and a link to the full report.
Read MoreApplications are Now Open for 2027 ONS Neighborhood Safety Partnerships
Every year, the Office of Neighborhood Safety contracts with community organizations to undertake innovative projects to help make Saint Paul safer for all. Applications to work with us in 2027 are open through September 7. We are looking for projects in five key areas: culturally specific violence prevention, support for unhoused neighbors, reducing drug use in City spaces, capacity-building for small organizations, and education for at-risk residents. Find out what we’re looking for and learn how to submit your proposal.
Read MoreCity of Saint Paul Completes the Permanent Closure of the Pig’s Eye Park / Fish Hatchery Encampment
The City of Saint Paul, with the assistance of a network of community volunteers, elected officials, and support providers, completed the first stage of the encampment closure at Pig's Eye Park/Fish Hatchery unsheltered encampment on August 5, 2026.
Read More