> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.symmetry.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Rate types

> Match an employee to the correct rate within an authority. Covers majorType REG/TIP/EXM plus industryTypeCode and minorTypeCode override selection.

Within a given authority, Payroll Point identifies the specific rate that applies using three type values. For the authority itself, see [Authority levels](/prp/core-concepts/mw-authority-levels); the three values below combine with it to form the [minimum wage unique ID](/prp/core-concepts/mw-uid-elements).

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.

## Major type: the base wage category

`majorType` identifies the base wage category a rate applies to:

| `majorType` | Description                                      |
| ----------- | ------------------------------------------------ |
| `REG`       | Regular minimum wage.                            |
| `TIP`       | Minimum wage for tipped employees.               |
| `EXM`       | Minimum wage for employees exempt from overtime. |

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.

## 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.

## 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.

## 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](/prp/references/industry-type-codes) and [Minimum wage minor type codes](/prp/references/minor-type-codes).