Low-wage earners in Arizona have struggled more than most people from the nation's inflationary surge this year, but they also will get a modest boost from it starting in January.

That's when the state's minimum wage, already one of the highest in the nation, will rise again, with the increase tied to inflation.

How much will minimum wage change in Arizona?

By law, Arizona's minimum wage now is pegged to inflation. The current minimum is $12.80 an hour. That will rise to $13.85 an hour, an increase of $1.05, starting Jan. 1.

Why is Arizona's minimum wage changing in 2023?

Annual increases are mandated by Proposition 206, which statewide voters approved in 2016. That ballot measure bumped up the minimum wage in four steps, from $8.05 an hour in late 2016 to $12 an hour by Jan. 1, 2020.

Since then, increases have been tied to inflation, specifically the Consumer Price Index for urban workers, as tracked by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Arizona's minimum-wage inflation calculation runs for the 12 months from September through August each year, with adjustments taking effect the following January. The Industrial Commission of Arizona announced the increase.

Will all states or the federal government boost minimum wages?

No. Most states have lower minimum wages, and most don't adjust or index their numbers to inflation. States with higher minimums include California ($15 an hour), Washington ($14.49) and Massachusetts ($14.25), along with the District of Columbia...

Read Full Story: https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMilwFodHRwczovL3d3dy5hemNlbnRyY...