Oregon's minimum wage is going up this summer across the state

Oregon’s minimum wage will go up by 50 cents per hour in all three regions starting on July 1.

The automatic increases were announced Tuesday, April 16, by Commissioner Christina Stephenson of the Bureau of Labor and Industries, which enforces the state’s minimum-wage law. Oregon’s three-tiered system was created by the Legislature in 2016, and changes are based on the Consumer Price Index.

For the three Portland metro area counties — Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas — the rate will go from $15.45 to $15.95 per hour.

For 15 other counties, mostly west of the Cascades, the rate will go from $14.20 to $14.70 per hour. Three counties east of the Cascades are in this group: Deschutes, Hood River and Wasco.

For the other 18 counties, mostly east of the Cascades, the rate will go from $13.20 to $13.70 per hour. Three counties west of the Cascades are in this group: Coos, Curry and Douglas counties.

The Legislature set a statewide minimum wage until 2002, when voters linked future increases to inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index. A three-tiered system replaced it in 2016.

A statement from Commissioner Stephenson said:

“Indexing the minimum wage to inflation aims to ensure the wages of Oregon workers keep pace with the economic realities they face. Wage increases, particularly for those at the bottom of the income spectrum, have far-reaching benefits. They increase community-level economic activity and support local businesses. Moreover, wage increases help to reduce pay inequalities for women and people of color, fostering overall economic growth.

“This increase in earnings for low-wage workers reaffirms our commitment to upholding employment rights and promoting fairness and justice in the workplace, thus fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.”

pwong@pamplinmedia.com