After the longest period in history without an increase, the federal minimum wage in 2021 was worth 21% less than 12 years ago—and 34% less than in 1968. : Real value of the minimum wage (adjusted for inflation)
![After the longest period in history without an increase, the federal minimum wage in 2021 was worth 21% less than 12 years ago—and 34% less than in 1968. : Real value of the minimum wage (adjusted for inflation)](https://files.epi.org/uploads/LongestPeriod2021-ChartUpdate2.png)
Notes: All values are in June 2021 dollars, adjusted using the CPI-U-RS
Source: Fair Labor Standards Act and amendments