Iowa hasn't raised its minimum wage since 2008. It's the same as the federal minimum wage at $7.25 an hour. Besides Wisconsin, which shares the same federal minimum wage, that's lower than every state Iowa borders.

The minimum wage went up in 19 states — including in four of the six states that border Iowa — on Jan. 1. In 12 states and 48 cities and counties, the minimum wage is, as of Jan. 1, at least $15 an hour for some or all employees, according to a report by the National Employment Law Project.

Here's how Iowa compares to its neighboring Midwest states.

Illinois minimum wage increases stopped after hitting $15 per hour

Illinois increased its minimum wage by $1 per year from 2020 through 2025. The increases stopped in 2026, leaving in place a minimum wage of $15 per hour.

But the city of Chicago increases its minimum wage based on the rate of increase in the Consumer Price Index or by 2.5% each July 1, whichever rate is lower.

Minnesota's minimum wage goes up annually based on inflation

Minnesota's minimum wage increased to $11.41 an hour on Jan. 1, according to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. That's a 28-cent boost from last year's minimum wage of $11.13 an hour.

The state's minimum wage has been annually adjusted for inflation since 2018, but increases were capped at 2.5% until 2024, when legislative changes increased the limit to 5%, according to a state Department of Labor and Industry report.

Missouri minimum wage increases after governor's...

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