/images/2018/01/23/navina-side-hustle-mid_MPfEDfV.jpg)
/images/2019/12/06/smart_strategies_to_save_money_on_car_insurance.jpg)
:format(webp)/images/2025/11/17/mcdonalds-sign-hiring-wage.jpg)
/authors/sarah-sharkey-headshot.jpg)
/authors/esther-carlstone-headshot.jpg)
Back in 1938, the Fair Labor Standards Act led to the first minimum wage of $0.25 per hour. Over time, the federal minimum wage has obviously increased — but it hasn't always kept pace with inflation.
As you look for ways to stretch your paycheck a bit further, understanding the erosion of the purchasing power of a minimum wage worker could help put things into perspective. This guide explores the minimum wage when you were born, and what it buys today.
Get instant access to hundreds of discounts
Over 50? Join AARP today— because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks like discounts on travel, dining, and even prescriptions.
Get 25% off membership — just $15 for your first year with auto-renewal — and a free gift if you join today.
How the federal minimum wage is calculated
As of writing, the federal minimum wage is $7.25. This metric is set by Congress under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 and subsequent amendments.
But, notably, many states, like Florida and New York, have their own state minimum wage laws. For example, in Florida, the state's minimum wage is $13 per hour, which supersedes the lower standard set at the federal level.
How often does the federal minimum wage increase?
The federal minimum wage has gradually increased over time. But the last increase to the federal minimum wage was back in July 2009.
The federal minimum wage isn't increased on a regular schedule. Instead, it's simply increased based on when Congress passes amendments to bump up the rate.
Greatest Generation (1901-1924)
U.S. minimum wage: $0
How much that would be in 2025: $0
The Greatest Generation was born into a country without a federal minimum wage. Unfortunately, the time period is known for hazardous work conditions, long hours, and low wages.
During this tough time period for workers, labor unions began to gain traction in some industries. But a federally mandated minimum wage was still a long way off.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1 <p>Clients who are able to stay with the program and get all their debt settled realize approximate savings of 45% before fees, or 20% including our fees, over 12 to 48 months. All claims are based on enrolled debts. Not all debts are eligible for enrollment. Not all clients complete our program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. Estimates based on prior results, which will vary based on specific circumstances. We do not guarantee that your debts will be lowered by a specific amount or percentage or that you will be debt-free within a specific period of time. We do not assume consumer debt, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice or credit repair services. Not available in all states. Please contact a tax professional to discuss tax consequences of settlement. Please consult with a bankruptcy attorney for more information on bankruptcy. Depending on your state, we may be available to recommend a local tax professional and/or bankruptcy attorney. Read and understand all program materials prior to enrollment, including potential adverse impact on credit rating.</p>
Sign up for a free debt assessment here.
Silent Generation (1925-1945)
U.S. minimum wage: $0.25 to $0.40 per hour
How much that would be in 2025: $5.74 to $7.20 per hour
The Great Depression rocked the country after a stock market crash in 1929. Many consider this the worst financial catastrophe our nation has faced, with bread lines and a bleak economic outlook that lasted until the U.S. entered World War II in 1941.
During this period, many went hungry. Even workers lucky enough to find a job at all were often taken advantage of by employers offering low wages. Not surprisingly, the passing of the first federal minimum wage happened during the Great Depression, in 1938, likely at least partially in response to the dire situation of many Americans.
Baby Boomers (1946-1964)
U.S. minimum wage: $0.40 to $1.15 per hour
How much that would be in 2025: $6.65 to $12.02 per hour
The Baby Boomers have arguably enjoyed the most favorable economic conditions for success in recent memory. After World War II, the U.S. saw a major economic boom with increasing consumer demand.
During the 1960s, Congress passed legislation to increase the federal minimum wage several times. Additionally, this timeframe saw the Civil Rights Movement, which pushed for stronger labor rights for all Americans in an effort to eliminate racial inequities in the workforce.
As Baby Boomers entered the workforce, they generally found strong value for their dollars earned at minimum wage jobs.
Gen X (1965-1980)
U.S. minimum wage: $1.25 to $3.10 per hour
How much that would be in 2025: $12.86 to $12.19 per hour
Generation X saw the economy start to slow after the post-WWII boom that the Baby Boomers were born into.
In the 1970s, wages began to stagnate and the cost of living started to climb. In fact, the 1970s saw inflation range from 5.5% to 14.4%. But the federal government continued to increase the minimum wage throughout the 1970s.
As we've seen in recent years, the erosion of purchasing power has continued to erode. And in a tight job market, many are finding their paychecks not stretching as far as they once did.
Bottom line
If you want to get ahead financially, a minimum wage income might not be enough. Unfortunately, purchasing power has eroded while wages have stagnated, leaving many workers in a difficult financial position.
Luckily, it's possible to increase your income. Consider looking for a higher-paying job, asking for a raise, picking up a second job temporarily, or starting a side hustle. As you boost your income, use the funds to tackle financial goals to create long-term stability.
/images/2021/04/21/adobestock_192812280_1200x628.jpg)
/images/2019/12/06/smart_strategies_to_save_money_on_car_insurance.jpg)
/images/2025/01/28/adobestock_628402894_1.jpeg)
/images/2024/09/04/adobestock_669069249_editorial_use_only_1.jpeg)
/images/2020/03/02/tattoo-woman-bar.jpeg)
/images/2020/12/21/smiling-couple-looking-at-laptop-screen.jpeg)
Benefits Card Details Intro Offer
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Annual Fee $0 Why we like it
/images/2025/01/23/discover_it_cash_back_card_art_gold.png)
/images/2025/02/04/person_using_card_in_atm.jpg)
/images/2020/06/29/pensive-woman-looking-at-laptop-screen.jpeg)
/images/2023/04/14/fit_woman_having_fun_with_adorable_mongrel_dogs.jpg)
/images/2025/11/13/old-man-happy.jpg)
/images/2025/11/13/older-woman-laptop-scam-warning.jpg)
/images/2025/11/12/guy-on-phone.jpg)
/images/2025/11/11/old-man.jpg)
/images/2025/01/11/dave-ramsey-in-a-podcast-studio.jpg)
/images/2025/03/02/homepage_aarp_website.jpg)
/images/2025/11/10/wads-of-cash.jpg)
/images/2024/09/10/close-up-sketch-warren_buffett-1199x628.jpg)
