States where the minimum wage is going up in 2026
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Workers in 19 states are in line for a raise when minimum wage increases take effect on New Year's Day.
Why it matters: Beyond those earning minimum wage, these increases often push employers to raise salaries for workers higher up on the income ladder.
The big picture: More than 8.3 million workers will see their pay go up on Jan. 1. That includes both those getting a direct increase and others indirectly affected when companies adjust wage ladders, according to an estimate from the progressive Economic Policy Institute.
- The extra boost comes at a time when rising prices are particularly punishing for the lowest earners.
- Another three states — Florida, Alaska and Oregon — are increasing their minimum wages later in the year.
Stunning stat: For the first time, there will be more workers in states with a minimum wage of $15 an hour or higher than those with the federal minimum of $7.25.
Between the lines: More than a decade ago, labor advocates' fight for a $15 an hour wage seemed radical — not so much anymore.
By the numbers: Missouri and Nebraska will cross the $15 milestone on Jan. 1.
- Four states' minimum wage will rise to $17 or higher, for some or all of their workers, by the end of the year.
- These include Washington state, where the minimum is rising 2.8%, to $17.33; New Jersey, which will have a wage floor of $18.92 for long-term care workers, and New York City, Long Island and Westchester County in New York state ($17 for all workers).
State of play: The 19 states that are raising their minimum wage on Jan. 1 are:
- Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawai'i, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia and Washington state.
Zoom in: Even if they're not at that milestone yet, many states and cities, both red and blue, raised their minimum wages far beyond the federal rate, which has been stuck at $7.25 an hour since 2009.
- Ohio's minimum wage will increase 2.8%, to $11, on Jan. 1.
- Arizona's is moving up 3.1%, to $15.15. Virginia's up 2.9%, to $12.77.
Yes, but: 20 states, mostly in the South, still use the $7.25 an hour rate.
- Many states have passed so-called preemption laws that prevent cities from passing higher minimum wages.
- Some policymakers and business owners argue that higher minimum wages are costly for businesses and lead to less job growth.
Reality check: These are still very low wages — high inflation has eroded the value of $15.
The bottom line: The lowest wage earners in the country are getting some good news next year.
