Many Arizona workers are getting a pay raise. The state’s minimum wage goes up today to $7.65. KJZZ’s Al Macias explains.

Arizona voters approved a state minimum wage in 2006 that is not tied to the federal rate of $7.25 an hour.

The state’s rate is linked to the Consumer Price Index which measures how much households pay for goods and services. Those costs went up about 4 percent last year. That translates to a 30-cent-an-hour hike to Arizona’s minimum wage.

People who work for tips are not covered by the law. There are some other exemptions.

Anyone employed by the Arizona or Federal government is exempt from the minimum wage. This includes students who work for their universities.  Babysitters and people employed by their parents or siblings are exempt from the minimum wage. Kids mowing lawns and doing household chores will have to negotiate wages with their parents.

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