Minimum Wage Underpayment Calculator — Am I Being Underpaid?
Estimate how much you may be owed if you were paid below minimum wage. This calculator is for informational purposes only.
On this page: Calculator · Common underpayment cases · How it’s calculated · Related calculators · FAQ
Related help: Back pay calculator · Unpaid wages (missing hours) calculator · Overtime pay calculator
Quick answer: Underpayment = (minimum wage − your pay rate) × hours worked. For example, if you earned $12/hr instead of $15/hr for 500 hours, you're owed approximately $1,500. Use the calculator below for your exact situation.
Estimated shortfall per hour: —
Estimated unpaid wages: —
Used by workers to estimate unpaid wages before speaking with an employer, labor board, or employment lawyer.
If you believe you were paid less than minimum wage, this estimate can help you understand potential wages owed.
Am I Being Underpaid? Common Minimum Wage Issues
Being “underpaid” can mean different things. This calculator specifically estimates minimum wage underpayment (paid below the legal hourly minimum).
- Pay rate below minimum wage for regular hours worked
- Unpaid training time or required meetings that reduce your effective hourly rate
- Off-the-clock time that makes your pay average out below minimum wage
- Wrong classification (sometimes) — if pay practices treat you like an exempt role
If you were paid the correct rate but are missing hours, use the Unpaid Wages Calculator. If the issue spans multiple pay periods, estimate totals with the Back Pay Calculator.
2026 minimum wage rates by state (selected)
Use these rates in the calculator above. If your state isn't listed, check your state labor department website. Many cities and counties also have local minimum wages higher than the state rate.
| State | Minimum wage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Federal (FLSA) | $7.25/hr | Applies where no state/local rate is higher |
| California | $16.50/hr | Some cities higher (LA, SF, San Jose) |
| New York | $16.50/hr | NYC rate; lower in some upstate counties |
| Washington | $16.66/hr | Adjusted annually for inflation |
| Massachusetts | $15.00/hr | Tipped minimum: $6.75/hr |
| Florida | $14.00/hr | Increasing $1/yr through 2026 |
| Texas | $7.25/hr | Follows federal rate |
| Illinois | $15.00/hr | Chicago: $16.20/hr |
| Pennsylvania | $7.25/hr | Follows federal rate |
| Ohio | $10.65/hr | Adjusted annually |
Rates shown are approximate for 2026. Minimum wages change annually in many states. Always verify the current rate with your state labor department before using the calculator.
How Minimum Wage Underpayment Is Estimated
Minimum wage underpayment is calculated by comparing the legal minimum wage to the hourly rate you were actually paid for each hour worked. The difference is the shortfall per hour, which is multiplied by total underpaid hours.
If an employee is paid below the required minimum, the difference may be recoverable as unpaid wages.
This calculator provides a simplified estimate to help workers understand potential underpayment amounts.
Example: Calculating minimum wage underpayment
A restaurant worker in California was paid $14.00/hour for 6 months (about 1,040 hours). California's minimum wage is $16.50/hour.
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Hourly wage paid | $14.00 |
| Legal minimum wage | $16.50 |
| Hours worked | 1,040 hours |
| Shortfall per hour | $2.50 |
| Estimated unpaid wages | $2,600.00 |
This estimate does not include potential penalties, interest, or liquidated damages that may apply under state law. Use the Back Pay Calculator to estimate amounts across multiple pay periods with different rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is minimum wage underpayment?
It occurs when an employee is paid less than the legally required minimum wage for hours worked.
Am I entitled to minimum wage?
Most employees are entitled to minimum wage, though limited exemptions may apply depending on jurisdiction.
Can underpaid wages be recovered?
In many cases, underpaid wages can be recovered retroactively, subject to statutory time limits.
Does this include overtime or penalties?
No. This calculator estimates base wage underpayment only.
How do I know if I'm being underpaid?
Compare your hourly pay rate to the minimum wage in your state. If you earn less than the legal minimum, you are being underpaid. Also check if unpaid time (training, meetings, off-the-clock work) reduces your effective hourly rate below minimum wage. Use the calculator above to estimate how much you may be owed.
Is this calculator legally accurate?
This tool provides an estimate only and does not account for all exemptions, job categories, or local rules. It is not legal or financial advice.
Not sure which calculator fits your situation? See all wage and pay calculators.