Guides to working in the United States
Plain-language guides to working in the United States: minimum wage by state, getting a Social Security number, unemployment benefits and more, checked against official sources.
Minimum wage by state in the United States
The minimum wage and tipped minimum wage in all 50 states and Washington, DC, the federal $7.25 rate, which rate applies to you, and 2027 increases, with official sources.
Checked November 5, 2026
How to get a Social Security number for work in the US
Who can get a Social Security number, how to apply for free, how long the card takes, what your employer needs, and why an ITIN does not let you work, with official sources.
Checked November 5, 2026
How to apply for unemployment benefits in every state
Who qualifies for unemployment insurance, where to file in each of the 50 states and Washington, DC, the maximum weekly benefit and number of weeks in each state, and how benefits are taxed.
Checked November 5, 2026