On September 10, 2015, the Johnson County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed an Ordinance Establishing a Johnson County Minimum Wage, which took effect November 1, 2015.

On March 30, 2017, Governor Branstad signed House File 295. One of the provisions of that bill makes local minimum wage ordinances, such as the one passed by Johnson County, void and unenforceable as of that date. 

Recognizing the high cost of living in Johnson County as well as the economic and social benefits of reducing poverty, the Board of Supervisors urges employers to voluntarily pay their employees at least $10.75 per hour and, if possible, to strive to pay a “living wage.” On July 1, 2026, the recommended living wage will increase to $13.37 per hour. The Board of Supervisors uses Consumer Price Index data to set the increase, which is based on inflation. 

While Johnson’s County minimum wage ordinance is no longer enforceable, the Board of Supervisors believes that the work done to raise awareness of the needs of low-wage workers and the attempt to raise their standard of living was worthwhile. Therefore, this webpage will continue to be available for public reference for the foreseeable future.