PORTLAND, Ore. — Many Oregonians will get a raise on Wednesday with minimum wage going up for the fourth year in a row.
In Portland, employers will now pay at least $13.25 an hour, 75 cents higher than before and at least $1.25 higher than other parts of the state. In standard counties, the new minimum wage will be $12 per hour and in non-urban areas, it will be $11.50 an hour.
Minimum wage differs based on each area's cost of living.
This is the fourth minimum wage increase in a series of six annual rate hikes. By the year 2022, it's expected to reach $14.75 an hour.
"For working folks it can mean the difference between being able to make rent and not. It can mean the difference between putting food on your table," said Graham Trainor, president of the Oregon AFL-CIO.
Some small business owners say the wage hike couldn't come at a worse time.
Vickie Walsh, owner of Fat Albert’s Breakfast Cafe in Portland's Sellwood neighborhood said her restaurant is already struggling due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"It would really benefit many of these businesses if it was suspended six months cause we’re trying to get back on our feet," said Walsh.
The Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association was unsuccessful in trying to lobby state lawmakers to pause the minimum wage increase for 18 months during this month's special session.
Here’s a look at which counties will pay which rate:
$13.25 per hour
- Clackamas
- Multnomah
- Washington
$12 per hour
- Benton
- Clatsop
- Columbia
- Deschutes
- Hood River
- Jackson
- Josephine
- Lane
- Lincoln
- Linn
- Marion
- Polk
- Tillamook
- Wasco
- Yamhill
- Parts of Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington*
$11.50 per hour
- Baker
- Coos
- Crook
- Curry
- Douglas
- Gilliam
- Grant
- Harney
- Jefferson
- Klamath
- Lake
- Malheur
- Morrow
- Sherman
- Umatilla
- Union
- Wallowa
- Wheeler
*The minimum wage you earn depends on your employer’s exact address. If you work inside the urban growth boundary, you should make at least $13.25. If you work outside the urban growth boundary, you should make at least $12. Look up your work address here: bit.ly/metroboundary