Delaware minimum wage increases to USD 15.00 per hour

Delaware's minimum wage has increased to USD 15.00 per hour, affecting all employers operating in the state. The Delaware Department of Labor confirmed the new rate, though the specific effective date has not been publicly stated in official communications.

Who is affected

All employers in Delaware must comply with the new minimum wage rate, regardless of company size or industry. This includes private-sector employers, non-profit organizations, and any business with employees working in Delaware. All hourly employees in the state are entitled to receive at least USD 15.00 per hour, unless they fall under specific federal exemptions (such as certain tipped employees, who may be subject to different minimum wage calculations under federal law).

What's changing

Delaware employers must now pay hourly workers a minimum of USD 15.00 per hour. Employers who were previously paying the prior Delaware minimum wage rate must adjust their payroll systems and employee compensation to meet the new threshold. Any employee currently earning less than USD 15.00 per hour must receive a wage increase to comply with state law.

Tipped employees may continue to receive a lower direct cash wage if the combination of tips and direct wages meets or exceeds USD 15.00 per hour, consistent with Delaware's tip credit provisions.

What NEO partners and clients should do

• Audit current employee wages to identify any workers earning less than USD 15.00 per hour and adjust compensation immediately to ensure compliance.
• Update payroll systems to reflect the new minimum wage rate for all Delaware-based employees.
• Review employment contracts and offer letters to ensure new hires are offered wages that meet or exceed USD 15.00 per hour.
• Communicate the change to affected employees and ensure supervisors understand the new wage floor for all hourly workers.

Sources

• https://labor.delaware.gov/