Michigan allows a reduced wage for youth and trainees, 15% below the state minimum.
Michigan employers can pay a subminimum wage to workers under 18 during their first 90 days of employment, as well as to workers under 20 during their first 90 days. This "youth and training wage" is set at 85% of the state's standard minimum wage, offering a specific pathway for employers to onboard new, younger talent.
Michigan Youth and Training Wage
Allows employers to pay 85% of the state minimum wage to eligible youth and trainees for the initial 90 days of employment.
What those rules do as a Michigan shift is created.
Teambridge ensures that the Michigan Youth and Training Wage is correctly applied to eligible employees, preventing underpayment or misclassification while optimizing labor costs. Our system dynamically adjusts wages based on employee age, tenure, and state minimum wage rates.
Youth Wage Application
For employees aged 16-17, the system automatically applies the 85% youth wage for their first 90 calendar days of employment. After 90 days, the wage defaults to the standard state minimum wage.
Training Wage Application
For employees under 20 years of age, Teambridge applies the 85% training wage for their first 90 calendar days of employment, regardless of prior experience. This ensures compliance with both federal and state provisions.
Avoid Misapplication
The system prevents the application of youth or training wages for employees who do not meet the age and tenure criteria, safeguarding against potential wage claims and ensuring equitable pay.
Stop stressing about Michigan compliance.
Teambridge handles the complexity of Michigan's dynamic wage laws, so you don’t have to. Get accurate, automated compliance for every shift, every time.
Michigan permits a reduced wage for young workers and trainees.
The Michigan Workforce Opportunity Wage Act (WOWA), specifically MCL 408.934(4), allows for a subminimum wage for certain categories of employees. This provision is designed to facilitate entry into the workforce for younger individuals and those undergoing initial training.
MCL 408.934(4): An employer may pay to an employee who is 16 to 17 years of age, inclusive, a wage of 85% of the minimum hourly wage established under subsection (1) or (2). An employer may pay to an employee who is less than 20 years of age a training wage of 85% of the minimum hourly wage established under subsection (1) or (2) for the first 90 calendar days of employment.
Youth Wage Provision
For employees aged 16 and 17, Michigan law permits a wage rate equal to 85% of the standard state minimum wage. This reduced rate is applicable throughout their employment in this age bracket. As of January 1, 2026, with a state minimum wage of $13.73 per hour, the youth wage would be $11.67 per hour ($13.73 * 0.85). This provision recognizes that younger workers may have less experience and are still developing their skills.
Training Wage Provision
Separately, Michigan law also allows for a training wage for employees who are under 20 years of age. This training wage is also set at 85% of the state minimum wage, but it is limited to the first 90 calendar days of employment. This specific provision is intended to support employers in onboarding and training new, younger staff members, providing a transitional period before the full minimum wage applies. It is crucial for employers to accurately track the 90-day period to ensure timely wage adjustments.
Teambridge ensures Michigan's youth and training wages are applied flawlessly.
Teambridge integrates Michigan's specific wage requirements directly into your scheduling and payroll processes, eliminating manual errors and ensuring continuous compliance. From employee onboarding to automated wage adjustments, we've got you covered.
Age and Eligibility Capture
Upon onboarding, Teambridge securely captures employee birthdates. This data is critical for automatically determining eligibility for youth and training wages based on Michigan's age criteria.
Dynamic Rate Application
For eligible employees, the system automatically calculates and applies the 85% youth or training wage. This rate is dynamically updated in line with Michigan's minimum wage changes, ensuring always-current compliance.
Precise Tenure Monitoring
Teambridge accurately tracks the 90-calendar-day period for training wage eligibility. On the 91st day, the system automatically adjusts the employee's wage to the full Michigan state minimum wage, preventing overpayment or underpayment.
Transparent Compliance Records
All wage applications, adjustments, and eligibility determinations are meticulously logged, providing a comprehensive audit trail. This ensures transparency and simplifies reporting for compliance verification.