19 states to raise minimum wage in 2026, except Utah
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Sorry, folks, Utah is not among the 19 U.S. states boosting their minimum wage next year.
Why it matters: The state's $7.25 hourly minimum wage will hold steady heading into 2026, even as the cost of living continues to climb across the West.
Driving the news More than 8.3 million workers in 19 states will see their pay go up on Jan. 1, Axios' Emily Peck reports.
- That includes both those getting direct increases and others indirectly affected when companies adjust wage ladders, according to an estimate from the progressive Economic Policy Institute.
By the numbers: Six Western states will see wage increases on New Year's Day.
- Our neighbors in Arizona will boost theirs to $15.15 an hour and Colorado goes to $15.16, more than double Utah's rate. California and Washington are raising their minimums to $16.90 and $17.13 an hour, respectively.
- Meanwhile, Idaho and Wyoming will keep their rates at $7.25 an hour next 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.
Catch up quick: The Beehive State hasn't raised its minimum wage since 2009, when both Utah and the federal rate was bumped from $6.55 (yes, you read that right) to $7.25.
State of play: Legislation to raise Utah's rate has been proposed, but none have passed, with some Republicans citing layoffs and risking the economy, per the Salt Lake Tribune.