What Is the Minimum Wage in Mississippi? 

Minimum wage laws vary depending on which state you’re currently working in. Some states have a minimum wage that is the same as the federal minimum wage, whereas other states have a minimum wage that exceeds the federal wage. If the state minimum wage is higher than the federal wage, then employers generally need to follow the state law. If it’s lower than the federal minimum wage, employers must follow federal law and compensate employees at least what the federal minimum wage is. If you believe that your employer isn’t compensating you appropriately, it’s time to speak with a lawyer. 

You work hard and deserve to be paid everything that you’re owed. Morgan & Morgan can help you with any wage claims or issues you have. We have been handling these types of cases for decades, and we’d be happy to assist you. We take all of our cases on a contingency fee basis, so you never have to worry about coming up with money out of your own pocket to pay us. We only get paid once we win or settle your case, and we get paid directly from your award money. If you’re concerned about your compensation and believe your employer isn’t treating you fairly, contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case consultation. 

What Is the Minimum Wage in Mississippi?

As of 2021, Mississippi doesn’t have its own minimum wage law. This means the federal minimum wage laws apply, so the minimum wage in the state is $7.25 per hour. Minimum wage in Mississippi applies to most workers in the state (any workers who are bound by federal minimum wage laws will have to comply since there are no state minimum wage laws), though there are some exceptions. For example, the minimum wage laws are different for employees who receive tips, some student workers, as well as other exempt workers. 

What to Do if Your Employer Isn’t Paying You Minimum Wage

If you find yourself in a position where your employer isn’t paying you the minimum wage that they’re required to pay by law, you should contact a lawyer to assist you with a wage claim. Still, it’s important to understand the process and what your potential recourse is for a situation like this. If you speak with an attorney and decide the best course of action is to file a wage claim, you should be entitled to certain damages. Damages are the amount of compensation you are entitled to receive if you win your claim. Typically, you are entitled to the following types of damages:

• Unpaid wages

The first thing you are entitled to is unpaid wages. Any hours you worked where you weren’t paid the minimum wage, you should be compensated for the difference. If your claim also involves unpaid overtime wages, this is included as well. Make sure you know what the minimum wage in Mississippi is so you know how much you’re entitled to.

• Interest

In some circumstances, you may even be owed interest on the amount of money that your employer was supposed to compensate you for but didn’t. Sometimes this is referred to as liquidated damages. Under federal law, liquidated damages are awarded in lieu of interest. If your employer acted willfully and in bad faith, they might be required to pay double your unpaid wages.

• Attorneys’ Fees

If you win your wage claim, your employer should also have to compensate you for your attorneys’ fees. 

Why You Need a Lawyer

Anytime an employer intentionally violates laws regarding your legitimate earnings, you should contact an attorney. Whether this is an issue with your wages, overtime pay, or any other type of compensation, you deserve what’s rightfully yours. If your boss is willing to go to unusual or even illegal lengths to avoid paying you what is owed, it’s unlikely that they will change their mind simply because you speak with them about it. Once you hire a lawyer, they will know how serious you are. An experienced attorney can talk to you and walk you through the process of speaking with your employer and then filing a wage claim if necessary. Additionally, you might not even know if your employer is violating your rights. Speaking with a lawyer can help you understand the laws relating to your compensation, and this can help you ensure that you receive what you’re entitled to. Make sure you know “what is the minimum wage in Mississippi” so you know how much you’re entitled to.

Federal and State Laws

It’s important to understand that there are both federal and state laws that protect your right to collect the compensation that is owed to you. When you contact an experienced attorney, they will be able to assist you in determining which protection is applicable to your situation, and what the best approach will be in order to obtain your owed compensation.

Fair Labor Standards Act 

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is the federal law that governs several aspects of labor laws. The two main provisions include the minimum wage provision and the overtime provision. Currently, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. The FLSA applies to all employers who meet one of the following requirements:

1. The company’s annual sales total $500,000 or more.
2. The company is engaged in interstate commerce.

Fortunately for employees, the courts have interpreted interstate commerce very broadly in this regard. Any company that regularly sends or receives mail to and from other states in the U.S. is engaged in interstate commerce. In some cases, courts have even ruled that simply placing phone calls to a different state requires a company to comply with the FLSA. This means even small companies are generally required to comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act.