The minimum wage is increasing in a record number of U.S. states in 2022 — but not in Pennsylvania.
- The state's minimum wage has remained at $7.25 since 2009, when it was raised to meet the federal rate.
The big picture: A total of 25 states and 56 cities will raise their minimum wages by the end of 2022, according to the National Employment Law Project. In many areas, the floor will meet or exceed $15 per hour.
- Minimum wages are increasing in every state surrounding Pennsylvania, except West Virginia.
- Pennsylvania is one of 20 states not to raise its minimum wage above the federal rate.
Zoom in: The state-mandated floor of $7.25 doesn't govern minimums set by companies or Philadelphia.
- City employees, contractors and subcontractors are on track to earn $15 an hour starting July 1.
- The minimum wage for state workers and contractors also rises this year by 50 cents, on its way to $15 an hour in 2024.
By the numbers: Workers in the Philadelphia region had a mean hourly wage of $29.04 in May 2020, about 7% above the nationwide average of $27.07, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- For lower-wage jobs like food prep, repair work or building cleaning, the Philadelphia region also has higher wages than the national average.
Between the lines: A family of two adults and two children must have an annual income of at least $74,888 to survive in Philadelphia without assistance, according to the University of Washington's Center for Women's Welfare.
- Philadelphia residents...
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