The county now has the highest minimum wage in the state for county employees.
On Wednesday, the Montgomery County Commissioners voted to increase the minimum wage for county employees to $20.52 per hour from $16.51. The increase marks the highest county minimum wage in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
County officials describe the minimum wage raise as part of a strategy to ensure Montgomery County is a place where everyone wants to live, work, and serve.
The wage increase will be implemented immediately for 129 county employees serving in classified as essential roles, such as court support staff, administrative assistants, and clerks.
Neil K. Makhija, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, said in a recent interview, “Montgomery County sets the standard for what public service looks like – we have top talent working hard to deliver for our nearly 900,000 residents. With this historic increase of the county’s minimum starting wage, this isn’t business as usual. We hope this sets an example for Harrisburg and others to follow statewide.”
According to county officials, $2.5 million in savings were identified during a cost-saving review. Eliminating unnecessary vacancies, consolidating digital resources, and implementing other cost reduction measures made the wage increase for county employees possible. The county’s Office of Innovation, Strategy, and Performance and the Department of Finance conducted the review.
The minimum wage across Pennsylvania has been stagnant at $7.25.
“Increasing the minimum wage that the county offers is not only the right thing to do for our employees, it’s also the right thing to do for our residents. This is another way that we’re showing our commitment to making Montgomery County a place where talented individuals want to build their careers. These actions reflect our values: we’re here to serve,” said Montgomery County Commissioner Jamila Winder in a statement.
The increase in minimum wage puts Montgomery County ahead of Allegheny ($18), Philadelphia, ($16.35), Chester ($15.30), and Bucks ($14.36) counties.
State Senator Art Haywood reacted to the increase, saying, “State lawmakers have fought for years to raise the minimum wage, but while Harrisburg continues to deliberate, Montgomery County takes bold action. By raising wages for public workers, the county is supporting neighbors, families, and entire communities. When workers are paid fairly, neighborhoods thrive, businesses benefit, public trust grows – and dignity wins.”
