Is it leqal for an employer to lower your hourly pay rate?

Is there a union or employment contract? If not, it's employment at will (particularly in this economy). Of course, if your pay rate is lowered you can resign and file for Unemployment insurance for changed circumstances.

It is legal for your rate to be lowered. It must never be lowered to less than the minimum wage. If the state minimum wage is different than the federal than the higher wage must be used.

In addition in many states there must be a notice period and it must be in writing.
In addition it cannot be retro. You must be paid the old wage for all work already performed and the new wage must take affect only on work not yet performed.

Shirley