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Where App Drivers Have a Minimum Wage: CA, MA, MN, WA, NYC and More
Federal law doesn't guarantee contractors a minimum wage, but several states and cities do. A state-by-state rundown.
As independent contractors, rideshare and delivery drivers aren't covered by the federal minimum wage. A growing number of places have set their own minimums.
| Where | Covers | Guarantee |
|---|---|---|
| California (Prop 22) | Rideshare & delivery | 120% of local minimum wage for engaged time, plus per-mile pay; health stipend at 15+ hours/week |
| Massachusetts | Uber & Lyft | $32.50 per engaged hour (2024 settlement), health stipend, paid sick time |
| Minnesota | Rideshare | $1.28/mile and $0.31/minute with a rider (since Dec 2024) |
| Washington | Rideshare | Per-mile and per-minute minimums, paid sick time, workers' comp |
| Seattle | Delivery | PayUp minimum pay per offer |
| New York City | Rideshare & delivery | TLC rideshare pay rules; delivery workers about $21+/hr before tips, adjusted each April |
| Colorado | Rideshare & delivery | Pay transparency before and after each trip |
Key point: "engaged time"
Most of these laws pay only for time with a passenger or order, not time spent waiting. Your real hourly pay can still fall below the minimum if you wait a lot.
Rates change often. Check your state or city's labor department for current numbers.
How to check whether you're getting the minimum
- Keep your weekly earnings statements from each app.
- Note your "engaged" time (with a passenger or order) versus total online time.
- Compare engaged earnings against your state or city minimum.
Apps in covered areas usually add an "adjustment" line when your trips fall short of the minimum.
Other protections in some places
- Paid sick time (for example Washington and Massachusetts)
- Occupational accident insurance or workers' comp coverage
- Rules requiring apps to explain deactivations and allow appeals
Frequently asked questions
Does my state have a law? If it's not in the table, probably not yet. Check your state labor department.
Do these laws cover tips? Tips are usually on top of the minimum and can't be used to meet it.
Bottom line
If you drive in a covered area, learn the rules and check your statements. In other states, your dollars-per-mile rule is your minimum wage.
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