Saint Paul Minimum Wage Ordinance - Tipped Rules

Labor and Employment Minnesota 3 Minutes Read · published February 09, 2026 Flag of Minnesota

Saint Paul, Minnesota requires employers and workers to follow city-level minimum wage phases and rules for tipped employees. This guide summarizes the ordinance framework, phased increases, employer obligations, and how tipped wages interact with the city minimum, drawing on the official Saint Paul Code and enforcement resources.

Overview

The city ordinance is codified in the Saint Paul Code of Ordinances and sets phased minimum wage increases with special provisions for tipped workers and small employers. For the controlling text and any amendments, consult the city code and the Human Rights department enforcement pages for official language and updates: Saint Paul Code of Ordinances[1].

Local minimum wage phases can affect payroll planning for small businesses.

Tipped Worker Rules

Under the city framework, employers who take a tip credit must ensure that the combined amount of cash wages plus tips meets the applicable full minimum wage. The ordinance usually sets conditions for tip credit use, recordkeeping, and notice to employees; where specific amounts or formulas are not published on the cited page, see the city code link above for the controlling text.[1]

  • Tip credit allowed only where expressly authorized in the ordinance and subject to documentation and notice requirements.
  • Employers must keep accurate tip and wage records to demonstrate compliance.
  • Written notice to employees about wage rates and tip-credit practices is typically required by the city rule.
  • If tips plus employer cash wage do not reach the city minimum, the employer must make up the difference.

Penalties & Enforcement

Fine amounts and specific civil penalties for violations of the minimum wage or tipped-worker provisions are not specified on the cited enforcement page; consult the municipal code for precise penalty language and any schedules or administrative fine tables.[2] Current as of February 2026: the Human Rights or equivalent enforcement office handles investigations, compliance orders, and may refer matters to the City Attorney for civil enforcement.

If you believe your employer violated the ordinance, document hours, paystubs, and tip records before filing a complaint.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; see the city code for exact figures and per-day provisions.[2]
  • Escalation: first offence, repeat, and continuing offence treatment is not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, restitution to workers, and referral to court are possible enforcement routes.
  • Enforcer: City of Saint Paul Human Rights or designated office handles intake and investigations; appeals typically go to the administrative review or the courts—check the ordinance for time limits and procedures.[2]

Applications & Forms

No specific application form for minimum wage exemptions or variances is published on the cited enforcement page; if a permit or variance exists it will be listed in the municipal code or on the department enforcement pages.[2]

Action Steps for Employers and Workers

  • Employers: review pay practices, update payroll to meet phased increases, and provide required notices to tipped employees.
  • Workers: keep paystubs and tip records and request employer-provided notices; file a complaint if underpaid.
  • To report violations, contact the City of Saint Paul enforcement office listed in Help and Support / Resources below.
Timely documentation improves the likelihood of a successful complaint or audit outcome.

FAQ

What is the current city minimum wage in Saint Paul?
The controlling wage rates and phase dates are set in the city code; consult the Saint Paul Code of Ordinances for the current amounts and effective dates.[1]
Can my employer take a tip credit against the city minimum wage?
Tip credit rules depend on the ordinance language; employers must follow the city provisions for tip credit, notice, and recordkeeping. If the cited pages do not list the formula, see the city code.[1]
How do I file a complaint about unpaid wages?
Gather pay records and contact the City of Saint Paul enforcement office or file a complaint through the department contact page listed in Resources below.[2]

How-To

  1. Collect documentation: paystubs, work schedules, tip records, and any employer notices.
  2. Contact the City of Saint Paul enforcement office by phone or web to ask about filing a complaint.
  3. Submit a complaint with supporting documents to the department handling minimum wage enforcement.
  4. Cooperate with investigators and respond to requests for additional information.
  5. If unsatisfied with administrative outcomes, consider appeal or civil action per the ordinance procedures.
Keep originals and provide copies when filing a complaint.

Key Takeaways

  • Saint Paul enacts phased minimum wage increases and special rules for tipped workers; consult the city code for exact rates.
  • Employers must maintain records and provide notices when using a tip credit.
  • File complaints with the City of Saint Paul enforcement office if you suspect violations.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Saint Paul Code of Ordinances - Municipal code hosting
  2. [2] City of Saint Paul Human Rights - Minimum wage enforcement

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data