## Minimum Wage in the USA in 2025: What You Really Need to Know About State Earnings

Working in the United States is many people's dream, but how much do you actually earn there? The answer varies quite a bit depending on where you are. While some say that the American minimum wage has been $7.25 per hour since 2009, the reality is much more complex — and even frustrating for those who think they will get rich.

## The Federal Minimum Wage Trap

The federal government set a floor of $7.25/hour, but that’s just the beginning of the story. Statistics show that this amount, considered insufficient by experts, barely covers basic expenses. Working 40 hours a week for four weeks, you would earn about $1,160 per month — which in 2025 is approximately R$ 6,032.

Sounds good in conversion? Not quite. The average cost of living in the US (excluding rent) is around $1,185/month. With an average rent of $1,626, the budget simply doesn’t add up for most workers.

## Disparity Between States: Where You Earn More

States and cities have the freedom to offer wages above the federal floor — and many have done so. Washington DC leads with an impressive $17.50/h, resulting in approximately $2,800 per month (about R$ 14,560).

In California, the average minimum wage is $16.50/h, along with special rules for overtime. Washington follows with $16.66/h. New York offers $15.50/h in the state, reaching $16.50/h in Manhattan and neighboring regions.

On the other end of the spectrum, states like Georgia and Wyoming formally adopt $5.15/h, although the federal minimum prevails in practice.

## How the Minimum Wage Is Calculated

The American system works by hourly work, making everything more transparent:

**Weekly calculation:** hourly wage × 40 hours = weekly amount

**Monthly calculation:** hourly wage × 40 × 4 = monthly amount

For Washington DC: $17.50 × 40 × 4 = $2,800

## Who Earns This Amount?

The minimum wage mainly applies to:

- Restaurant and fast-food attendants
- Cashiers and stock clerks
- Cleaning and supermarket assistants
- Entry-level operational professionals

An important note: waiters and professionals who receive tips may earn a lower base salary, as tips supplement their income.

## Minimum Wage in the USA Converted to Reais

With an approximate exchange rate of R$ 5.20 per dollar in 2025:

- Federal hourly floor: US$ 7.25 ≈ R$ 37.70
- Federal monthly floor: US$ 1,160 ≈ R$ 6,032
- Washington DC monthly: US$ 2,800 ≈ R$ 14,560

## USA vs Brazil: Which Pays More?

The minimum wage in Brazil was adjusted to R$ 1,518 in 2025. In direct conversion, the American amount seems higher — but the purchasing power analysis changes everything.

One US dollar buys fewer goods and services than what would be equivalent in reais in Brazil. Additionally, expensive cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York have costs that eat up any salary advantage.

Structurally, Brazil adopts a single national minimum wage, while the US operates a hybrid system with federal, state, and municipal floors — creating huge regional variations.

## Can You Live on Minimum Wage in the USA?

The honest answer is: in most situations, no. Even states with higher wages cannot offer adequate comfort, as expenses grow proportionally.

Those planning to move should research beyond the state minimum — the local cost of living is the real decisive factor.