1. What is the current minimum wage for tipped workers in Oklahoma?

The current minimum wage for tipped workers in Oklahoma is $2.13 per hour.

2. Is there a difference between the tipped minimum wage and regular minimum wage in Oklahoma?

Yes, Oklahoma has a tipped minimum wage of $2.00 per hour, which is lower than the regular minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. This is because tipped employees are expected to make up the difference between their hourly wage and the regular minimum wage through tips from customers. If their tips do not add up to at least $7.25 per hour, their employer must pay them the difference to meet the regular minimum wage.

3. How much do tipped workers make per hour in Oklahoma?

The minimum wage for tipped workers in Oklahoma is $2.13 per hour, which is the same as the federal minimum wage for tipped workers. However, employers are required to ensure that their employees make at least $7.25 per hour with tips included, or they must make up the difference. This means that tipped workers in Oklahoma could potentially make $5.12 more per hour with tips included if their hourly rate does not cover the state minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.

4. Has the minimum wage for tipped employees increased in Oklahoma recently?

Yes, the minimum wage for tipped employees in Oklahoma increased from $2.13/hour to $2.33/hour on January 1, 2020. This is part of a gradual increase to $3.63/hour by January 1, 2026.

5. Are there any pending changes to the tipped minimum wage in Oklahoma?

As of August 2021, there are no pending changes to the tipped minimum wage in Oklahoma. The current tipped minimum wage in the state is $2.00 per hour. Any changes to this wage would need to be proposed and approved by the state legislature.

6. Can a tipped worker afford a living wage in Oklahoma?

It depends on where they live, their personal expenses, and the cost of living in that area. In general, a tipped worker may struggle to afford a living wage in Oklahoma due to the low minimum wage and high cost of essential goods and services. The federal minimum wage for tipped workers is only $2.13 per hour in Oklahoma, which means they rely heavily on tips to make a living. However, these tips can vary greatly depending on the industry and the time of year.

For example, according to a 2018 report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the fair market rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Oklahoma is $730 per month. To afford this rent without being considered “cost-burdened” (meaning spending more than 30% of their income on housing), a worker would need to earn at least $14 per hour working 40 hours a week, year-round. The average hourly wage for tipped workers in a variety of industries in Oklahoma is only $8-$9 per hour, with many earning even less.

In addition to rent, tipped workers also have other basic expenses such as food, transportation, childcare (if applicable), healthcare costs, and more. Many are forced to work multiple jobs or extremely long hours just to make ends meet. Some may also rely on government assistance programs just to get by.

In summary, while it may be possible for some tipped workers to afford a living wage in Oklahoma through careful budgeting and frugal living, it is difficult for many due to the low wages and high cost of living. Implementing policies such as raising the minimum wage and providing fairer compensation for tipped workers could help improve their ability to afford a living wage in the state.

7. How does Oklahoma’s minimum wage for tipped employees compare to neighboring states?

As of June 2021, Oklahoma’s minimum wage for tipped employees is $2.13 per hour, which is the same as the federal tipped minimum wage. This amount has not been increased since 1994.

In comparison, neighboring states such as Texas have a tipped minimum wage of $2.13 per hour as well. Kansas and Missouri also have a $2.13 tipped minimum wage, while Arkansas’s is $2.63.

Colorado has the highest tipped minimum wage among Oklahoma’s neighboring states at $9.30 per hour, followed by New Mexico at $5.50.

Overall, Oklahoma’s tipped minimum wage is lower than all of its neighboring states except for Texas, which has the same amount.

8. Are employers required to make up the difference if a tipped worker’s wages fall below the standard minimum wage in Oklahoma?

Yes, employers are required to make up the difference if a tipped worker’s wages, including tips received, do not reach the standard minimum wage in Oklahoma. This is known as the “tip credit law” in Oklahoma and it states that the employer must guarantee that their employee receives at least the current standard minimum wage for all hours worked. If an employee’s total earnings (wages plus tips) do not meet or exceed the standard minimum wage, then the employer is responsible for paying the difference.

The standard minimum wage in Oklahoma is $7.25 per hour. The tipped minimum wage in Oklahoma is $2.13 per hour. This means that if an employee’s hourly rate of pay plus tips does not equal at least $7.25 per hour, then the employer must make up the difference.

Under federal law, employers are also required to ensure that their employees earn at least $7.25 per hour when combining their wages and tips. However, if a state has a higher minimum wage (like Oklahoma with its $2.13 tipped minimum wage), then employers must adhere to that state’s laws.

Employers should keep detailed records of employee’s hours worked and all tips received to ensure compliance with both federal and state laws on wages and tip credits.

Overall, employers are required to ensure that their employees receive at least the standard minimum wage for every hour worked. It is important for employees to be aware of their rights regarding wages and tipping regulations in their state.

9. Do cities within Oklahoma have their own separate tipped minimum wage rates or is it consistent throughout the state?

Cities within Oklahoma do not have their own separate tipped minimum wage rates. The minimum wage for tipped employees is consistent throughout the state at $2.00 per hour, as long as the employee’s tips combined with their wages equal at least the state minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.

10. Has there been any discussion of increasing the minimum wage for tipped employees in Oklahoma?

There have been some discussions about increasing the minimum wage for tipped employees in Oklahoma, but no concrete actions have been taken thus far. In 2020, Oklahoma voters approved a state question to increase the minimum wage for all workers, including tipped employees, gradually over the next several years. However, the implementation of this measure was temporarily halted due to a legal challenge. It is unclear when or if there will be further discussion or action taken to specifically increase the minimum wage for tipped employees in Oklahoma.

11. Does Oklahoma have a different minimum wage for servers versus other types of tipped workers?

No, Oklahoma does not have a separate minimum wage for servers or other tipped workers. All employees in Oklahoma, including those who receive tips, are subject to the state’s standard minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.

12. How does Oklahoma’s current tipped employee minimum wage compare to federal standards and neighboring states’ rates?

As of 2022, the current tipped employee minimum wage in Oklahoma is $2.13 per hour, which is consistent with the federal minimum wage for tipped employees. This rate has not been changed since 1991.

When compared to neighboring states, Oklahoma’s tipped employee minimum wage falls below the rates set by Texas and Colorado, both of which have a minimum tipped wage of $2.13 per hour (the federal standard). However, it is higher than Arkansas and Missouri, which have a minimum tipped wage of $2.63 and $4.00 respectively.

It is worth noting that some cities in neighboring states have implemented their own higher minimum wage rates for tipped employees. For example, Denver, Colorado has a $8.35 per hour minimum wage for tipped employees, while Austin, Texas has a $7.25 per hour rate with guaranteed tips excluded from the calculation.

In comparison to other states outside of the region, Oklahoma’s tipped employee minimum wage is lower than surrounding states such as Kansas ($2.13 per hour), Missouri ($4.00), and New Mexico ($5.65). However, it is higher than other states like Kentucky ($2.13), Tennessee ($2.13), Alabama ($2.13) and Mississippi ($2.13).

Overall, Oklahoma’s tipped employee minimum wage falls in line with the federal standard and many neighboring states’ rates but may be lower or higher depending on specific city regulations within those states.

13. In Oklahoma, are employers allowed to use tips towards fulfilling their obligation to pay the standard minimum wage for employees?

Yes, in Oklahoma employers are allowed to use tips towards fulfilling their obligation to pay the standard minimum wage for employees. However, employees must still earn at least $2.13 per hour in direct wages and the combined total of tips and direct wages must equal at least the state minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. If an employee’s tips do not bring them up to the minimum wage, the employer is required to make up the difference. Employers must also comply with federal laws regarding tip credits and minimum wage.

14. Is there a plan to increase the tip credit percentage in Oklahoma, which currently has one of the lowest rates nationwide?

There is currently no specific plan in place to increase the tip credit percentage in Oklahoma. However, the state could potentially consider raising it in the future through legislative action or other means. It is important to note that any proposed changes to the tip credit must be thoroughly evaluated and balanced with the needs of workers and employers in the state.

15. Are there exemptions from paying the state’s established tip credit rate for certain industries or professions in Oklahoma?

Yes, Oklahoma’s established tip credit rate does not apply to certain industries and professions, including:

– Employers subject to the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
– Agricultural employers
– Household employers
– Non-profit organizations primarily engaged in religious, charitable, or educational activities
– Seasonal amusement and recreational establishments
– Certain youth residential and day camps
– Public employers, including state, federal, and local government entities
– Employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement that allows for a higher minimum wage and sets forth specific provisions for tips

Furthermore, any employer who chooses to take a tip credit must inform their employees of the tip credit rate being taken and provide details on how the tip credit will be applied.

16. Can legislators override local laws regarding the establishment of a separate tipped worker minimum wage rate in [State?

In the state of [State], legislators do have the power to override local laws regarding minimum wage rates, including those set for tipped workers. In most instances, state law will supersede any local laws on wage rates. However, some municipalities may have their own regulations or ordinances that provide additional protections for workers, which must be followed in addition to state laws. Ultimately, it is important for employers and employees to adhere to both state and local laws related to minimum wage rates for tipped workers.

17. Has Oklahoma recently adjusted its tip pooling laws affecting server wages?

Yes, Oklahoma recently adjusted its tip pooling laws with the passage of HB 2420 in 2019. Under this law, employers are now allowed to require servers to participate in a tip pool that includes other front-of-house employees, such as hosts and bartenders. Previously, servers were only required to share their tips with back-of-house employees (such as cooks and dishwashers) if they earned at least minimum wage before tips. This change brings Oklahoma’s tip pooling laws in line with federal law.

18. How do Oklahoma’s current hourly wages for non-tipped workers compare with those applied specifically to restaurant personnel?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the current minimum wage for non-tipped workers in Oklahoma is $7.25 per hour, which is also the federal minimum wage. However, for tipped workers in the restaurant industry, the minimum hourly wage is $2.13 per hour as long as their tips bring their total hourly pay up to at least $7.25 per hour.

This means that Oklahoma’s current minimum wage for non-tipped workers is significantly higher than what tipped workers in restaurants are guaranteed to receive.

It’s important to note that some cities and counties within Oklahoma have implemented higher local minimum wages for all workers, including tipped employees in the restaurant industry. For example, Oklahoma City has a minimum wage of $12 per hour and Tulsa has a minimum wage of $10.40 per hour for all workers, regardless of tips.

Overall, compared to other states with similar minimum wages and tip credit policies, Oklahoma’s current hourly wages for non-tipped workers are on par but its hourly wages for restaurant personnel may be comparatively lower due to the lower tip credit allowed under state law.

19. In Oklahoma, are separate restaurants and other establishments categorized differently with regards to applying differing hourly rates for employees who receive tips?

Yes, in Oklahoma, restaurants and other establishments are categorized differently with regards to applying differing hourly rates for employees who receive tips. The state follows the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regulations for tipped employees, which allows employers to pay a lower minimum wage of $2.13 per hour to employees who customarily and regularly receive more than $30 per month in tips. This lower hourly rate is known as the “tipped minimum wage.” However, if an employee’s tips combined with their cash wages do not equal at least the regular minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, it is the employer’s responsibility to make up the difference.

20 Where can I access (or has anyone correlated) information about how each of the US states and territories have approached minimum wage laws for tipped workers?

One possible resource for this information is the National Employment Law Project (NELP), a non-profit organization that advocates for policies and laws to improve economic opportunities and working conditions for low-wage workers. NELP’s “State and Local Minimum Wage Laws” webpage includes information on minimum wage laws for tipped workers in each state, as well as links to relevant legislation and resources.

Another potential source of information is the United States Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division website, which provides state-specific fact sheets on minimum wage laws, including those related to tipped workers.

Additionally, some independent publications such as Forbes and The New York Times have published articles or analyses comparing and contrasting minimum wage laws for tipped workers across different states.

It may also be helpful to reach out to state labor departments or advocacy groups specific to each state or territory for more detailed information.