Tipped Minimum Wage: Michigan’s Rank Amongst Other States

It's no surprise to anyone that those who earn tips are given a significantly lower hourly wage than others because their tips are meant to make up the difference. To many of us, this has been a tactic that has allowed businesses to pay less while the customer pays more. Also, it leaves many tipped employees struggling to make ends meet as they aren't making a livable wage.

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This argument has made its way to the lawmakers in the Capitol building in many states and the tipped wages have started to move in the positive direction. Many tipped workers are concerned that they won't make tips if their wages rise due to many compounding factors but only time with tell.

Michigan is one of many states that has decided to take a look at the tipped wages and what can be done to make their lives easier. Michigan has decided to raise their tipped minimum wage rates which some agree with, and others are against. Tipped workers in Michigan now make $4.74 which was just a $.73 raise.

Last minute legislation on February 21st implemented the change and kept it from rising all the way to $5.99 but Michigan is far from having a tipped minimum wage being equal to those who are not tipped. Michigan's tipped minimum wage will rise from 38% of minimum wage to 50% by 2031.

Michigan is the 23rd highest ranked state for tipped minimum wage which moved them up one spot after the changes were made. Michigan currently sits below North Dakota but above Iowa. Both Ohio ($5.35) and Illinois ($9.00) are ranked above Michigan while Indiana is near the bottom with the federal mandate of $2.13.

Tipped workers in Michigan are beginning to get the wages and help that they deserve but this doesn't mean that we should stop tipping as a society. I would understand if you don't tip as much but you should tip most times.