The minimum wage is falling further and further behind the rising cost of living. The federal minimum wage peaked in buying power way back in 1968, when it was worth $15.09 in 2025 dollars, according ...

Over the past 75 plus years, Congress has raised the minimum wage 22 times, but its purchasing power peaked in 1968 at $1.60/hour, equal to $10.15 when adjusted for inflation.

While the COVID-19 relief bill brought the $15 an hour minimum wage. Looking back in history, the fight for a minimum wage has been full of political struggle and labor conflict.