Professor says $15 too high, but state could take incremental steps. //end headline wrapper ?> A nursing home on Milwaukee’s East Side. Photo by Jeramey Jannene. The federal minimum wage hasn’t been increased since 2009, and while some advocates are still pushing for a $15 minimum wage despite recent efforts being stymied by the U.S. Senate, one economist is saying more modest increases are a better course of action in Wisconsin. The rate has stayed consistent in the state with the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. Workers earning minimum wage who work 2,000 hours a year — 40 hours for 50 weeks — make about $14,500 before taxes and work expenses.