Arizona voters enacted the Raise the Minimum Wage for Working Arizonans Act in 2006. The voter initiative established an Arizona minimum wage and provided for an annual increase based on the increase in the cost of living. The cost of living is based on the federal Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, U.S. City Average for all items during the 12 months ending each August 31. The CPI-U is a national index covering the cost of goods and services. The CPI-U increased 1.5 percent comparing August 2012 to August 2013.
At a public meeting held on October 16, 2013, the Industrial Commission of Arizona calculated that Arizona’s minimum wage of $7.80 per hour would be increased by $0.10 to $7.90 for calendar year 2014. Arizona’s minimum wage of $7.90 per hour will be higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 through 2014.
The Industrial Commission’s website contains information regarding the 2006 initiative, Arizona’s minimum wage and employers’ obligations. Inquiries regarding Arizona’s minimum wage can be directed to Karen Axsom, Director of the Industrial Commission’s Labor Department, at 602-542-4515.
