What was the first minimum wage? July 24, 2020September 27, 2011 by Pamela Landy When the first minimum wage was instituted in 1938, it was 25 cents per hour. Related Answers When was the first eight-hour day introduced in America? Is Chicago the windiest city in the United States? How fast can birds fly? What is the speed limit in New York City? What is the fastest speed recorded for a male downhill skier? How strong were the winds of Hurricane Andrew in 1992?