Elimination of the youth subminimum wage
Summary
Saint Paul will no longer pay 14- to 17-year-old workers a reduced rate during their first 90 days on the job. Teen workers get the full city minimum wage from day one; some small employers worry about the added cost of youth hires.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Aug 12, 2026.
Impact analysis
Teen workers earn more immediately; businesses hiring young workers face higher starting labor costs.
Young workers ages 14-17, who now earn the full minimum wage from their first day.
Employers who relied on the lower 90-day youth training wage, especially seasonal and small businesses.
Mentions & discussions (4)
City Council — August 12, 2026
Saint Paul will no longer pay 14- to 17-year-old workers a reduced rate during their first 90 days on the job. Teen workers get the full city minimum wage from day one; some small employers worry about the added cost of youth hires.
City Council — August 5, 2026
The city is considering dropping the 90-day lower training wage for workers aged 14 to 17, which would mean higher starting pay for teen workers. The ordinance drew a public hearing and will get a final vote next week.
City Council — July 22, 2026
A proposal to scrap the city's 90-day provisional wage rate for workers aged 14-17 got its first reading. If passed August 5, teen workers would earn the standard minimum wage from day one.
Policy Committee — April 1, 2026
The city lets employers pay 14–17-year-olds 85% of the small-business minimum wage for their first 90 days. Council members argued many teens work to support their families and deserve full pay, but want to know first whether repeal would shrink youth job programs like Right Track.
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