On Jan. 1, the minimum wage increased in 19 states and 49 cities and counties. In 60 of these jurisdictions, the minimum wage will reach or exceed $15 an hour for some or all employers. This includes three states and 40 localities where the minimum wage will be at least $17 an hour for some or all employers, according to an annual report from the National Employment Law Project, an employee advocacy group.
Later in 2026, an additional four states and 22 local jurisdictions will raise their minimum wage. Twenty-five of these areas will implement a minimum wage of $15 an hour or more for some or all employers. This includes one state and 17 local jurisdictions that will establish or exceed a minimum wage of $17 an hour for certain employers.
Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia and Washington will lift the minimum wage on Jan. 1, according to the report.
Later in the year, Alaska, Florida and Oregon will act. California will enact a separate new minimum wage for health care workers.
Florida, Alaska and Oregon will also raise their pay requirements later in 2026. The biggest increase is in Hawaii, which is raising its minimum wage by $2 an hour.
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 and was...
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