For the last several years, the minimum wage has been a hot topic, not only in Oregon, but across the nation. Last week, Governor Kate Brown signed Oregon’s new minimum wage blueprint into law. Oregon is the first state to implement a unique and complex multi-tiered minimum wage system. With this boost, Oregon is set to have the highest state based minimum wage in the nation by 2022.
Under this multi-tiered system, Oregon is split into three geographical regions with three different minimum wage rates. These tiers are the State Base Rate, Non-Urban Counties, and Portland Urban Growth Boundary. To see which counties belong in each tier, see full Oregon Minimum Wage Rate listing.
The first series of increases will take effect on July 1, 2016 followed by gradual increases through 2022. After 2022, the State Base Rate minimum wage will be tied to the Consumer Price Index.
Meanwhile, the federal minimum wage will remain at $7.25, where it has been since 2009.
The Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) will be developing rules related to this new law. As always, Cardinal will assist with compliance of this new law and keeping you up to date should there be any new developments. Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.