Which US States Are Raising the Minimum Wage in 2026?
- Author: Jenny Wolff
- Posted: 2025-12-11
The federal minimum wage in the United States has been $7.25 per hour since 2009.
Because the federal government hasn’t increased it, many states have created their own laws to raise the minimum wage over time. This helps workers keep up with the cost of living.
Why Does the Minimum Wage Increase?
The cost of everyday goods and services continues to climb, but the federal minimum wage hasn’t changed in over a decade. While there have been arguments and proposals to move the federal minimum to $15 per hour, no new nationwide laws have been passed.
In response, many states review their minimum wages every year, and several have decided to raise their minimum wage in 2026.
This is important for workers to earn a living wage and for businesses to plan for payroll changes.
States Raising the Minimum Wage on January 1, 2026
Here are the states increasing their minimum wage at the start of 2026, along with the new hourly rates:
- Arizona: $15.15
- California: $16.90
- Colorado: $15.16
- Connecticut: $16.94
- Hawaii: $16.00
- Maine: $15.10
- Michigan: $13.73
- Minnesota: $11.41
- Missouri: $15.00
- Montana: $10.85
- Nebraska: $15.00
- New Jersey:
- Agricultural workers: $14.20
- Employers with six or more employees: $15.92
- Seasonal workers: $15.23
- Long-term care workers: $18.92
- New York:
- New York City, Long Island, Westchester: $17.00
- Upstate regions: $16.00
- Ohio: $11.00
- Rhode Island: $16.00
- South Dakota: $11.85
- Vermont: $14.42
- Virginia: $12.77
- Washington: $17.13
Several cities and counties, like Flagstaff (Arizona) and Redwood City (California), may have even higher local minimum wages.
States Raising the Minimum Wage Later in 2026
Some states plan to increase their minimum wage later in the year:
- Alaska: $14.00 (starting July 1, 2026)
- California: $19.28–$25.00 (for healthcare workers, starting July 1, 2026)
- Florida: $15.00 (starting September 30, 2026)
- Oregon: New amount to be decided for July 1, 2026
Which States Will Have Minimum Wages Above $15?
Many states will have a minimum wage above $15 in 2026. These include: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington.
Some workers in New York could earn up to $17 per hour, and healthcare or fast-food workers in California could make more than $20 per hour.
Which Minimum Wage Do Employers Have to Follow?
Employers are required to pay workers the highest applicable minimum wage—whether it’s local, state, or federal. In most cases, state or local minimum wages are higher than the federal standard.
However, some states like Texas, Idaho, and Iowa still use the federal level. Georgia’s state minimum wage is lower, so most workers there still receive the federal minimum.
What Does This Change Mean for Employers and Workers?
Businesses must update their payroll and make sure they follow the new rules and rates. This ensures workers are paid fairly and legally.
Minimum wage increases can also encourage other employees to ask for pay raises.
In addition to these wage changes, states and the federal government may introduce new labor laws, so it’s important for businesses and workers to stay informed.
Good communication about these changes can help employers build trust with employees.
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