Montana News

Montana minimum wage rising to $7.80 in 2013

Posted: Dec 26, 2012 8:54 AM by Evan Weborg - MTN News\

Montana is only one of 18 states that has a minimum wage that is higher than the federal requirement, and in January, the Treasure State's minimum wage will increase again.

Montana's minimum wage will rise from $7.65 to $7.80 per hour in order to help offset a cost of living increase.

That will come to about $300 more per year for people working 40 hours per week.

About 7% of the state's workforce, or just over 28,000 people, will be affected.

Keith Kelly, the state labor commissioner, says that the increase may look small, but for some it can make a big difference.

"I think the best way to look at this is this very small adjustment of only $300 - but $300 to somebody at that bottom level could mean a whole lot. It could mean a new pair of tennis shoes for a child and maybe some health services that you went able to get, and so even though it is a small amount of money but for those people it is absolutely essential," Kelly said.

The law requires a minimum wage adjustment annually based on changes in inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from August of the preceding year to August of the year in which the calculation is made.

An adjustment to the minimum wage is to be calculated no later than September 30 of each year based upon any increase in the CPI, rounded to the nearest five cents.

Montana has had a minimum wage increase every year dating back to 2007.

The federal minimum wage is currently $7.25 per hour.