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Within a given authority, Symmetry Minimum Wage Finder (MWF) identifies the specific rate that applies using three type values. For the authority itself, see Authority levels; the three values below combine with it to form the minimum wage unique ID. Within a given authority, three type values identify the specific rate that applies: major type, industry type, and minor type. Together with the authority, these values make up the minimum wage unique ID.

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Major type: the base wage category

majorType identifies the base wage category a rate applies to: These are the only three values. An authority can have separate rates for each, and a state’s tipped minimum wage (TIP) is often lower than its regular minimum wage (REG), while an exempt minimum wage (EXM) reflects a different compliance requirement than either.

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Industry type: industry-specific overrides

industryTypeCode identifies an industry that has its own minimum wage rate, separate from the authority’s general rate. A code of 000 (“Not specified”) means the rate is the general rate for that authority and major type, with no industry-specific override. A non-zero code means the rate applies only to that industry. For example, agriculture, healthcare, or hospitality.

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Minor type: employer or employee attribute overrides

minorTypeCode identifies a rate that depends on an employer or employee attribute, such as company size, employee age, or whether an employer provides benefits. As with industry type, a code of 000 means no attribute-based override applies. A non-zero code means the rate applies only when that attribute is met. For example, a lower rate for small employers or a training wage for employees under a certain age.

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Putting it together

For a single work location, several rates can be returned within the same authority level when that authority defines industry- or attribute-specific overrides in addition to its general rate. To determine which rate applies to a specific employee:
  1. Start with the general rate (industryTypeCode and minorTypeCode both 000) for the appropriate majorType.
  2. Check whether the employee’s industry matches an active industryTypeCode for that authority. If so, that rate overrides the general rate.
  3. Check whether the employer or employee matches an active minorTypeCode for that authority. If so, that rate overrides the general rate.
If none of the industry- or attribute-specific codes apply, the general rate is the correct rate for that authority and major type. For the full lists of active codes, see Minimum wage industry type codes and Minimum wage minor type codes.