Saint Paul Announces 2027 Minimum Wage Rates

Saint Paul officials announced the city’s minimum wage rates for 2027, featuring scheduled increases that take effect on January 1 and July 1 based on business size, according to official city releases. The city adjusts its wage thresholds annually to account for inflation under Chapter 224 of the City’s Minimum Wage Ordinance, which the Saint Paul City Council unanimously approved on November 14, 2018.

Large and macro businesses employing 101 or more workers will pay an hourly rate of $17.02 starting January 1, 2027. Small businesses with 6 to 100 employees face a starting rate of $16.37 on January 1, while micro businesses with 5 or fewer employees will pay $14.25 per hour.

Wage structures shift on July 1, 2027, when small businesses match the larger tier at $17.02 per hour. Micro businesses will see their hourly rate rise to $15.00 on that date. Employers must count all personnel when calculating business size, including full-time, part-time, temporary, remote, and jointly employed staff.

Labor Standards Enforcement and Worker Protections

The announced rates operate alongside broader municipal labor regulations overseen by the Labor Standards Division within the Saint Paul Department of Human Rights & Equal Economic Opportunity (HREEO). The division provides education, free training, and enforcement for the city’s Minimum Wage, Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST), and Wage Theft Ordinances.

City enforcement actions highlight active oversight of these standards. According to municipal records, HREEO investigators found that former dog daycare and boarding facility St. Paws LLC violated both the Minimum Wage and ESST ordinances. The investigation revealed that 58 employees were denied required sick and safe time rights while 8 employees received pay below the legal minimum wage.

The Saint Paul City Council subsequently ordered St. Paws LLC to pay $40,201.23 in restitution, covering back pay and liquidated damages for 61 affected workers.

Employer Compliance and Workplace Posting Rules

Saint Paul employers must display visible workplace notices informing staff of their right to receive applicable minimum wages and report violations without facing illegal retaliation. Businesses operating with primarily remote workforces must supply these notices in digital formats and include the policies in all employee handbooks.

Municipal rules also require companies under active investigation for violating the Minimum Wage Ordinance to post notice of that investigation in accessible workplace locations. Updated wage schedules and workplace posters remain available through the City of Saint Paul website. Workers and employers seeking guidance can contact the Labor Standards Division at 651-266-8966 or via email at laborstandards@ci.stpaul.mn.us.