Minimum wage is rising in 22 states in 2026 — see the map to find out if yours is included

Minimum wage increase 2026: Minimum wages are increasing across much of the United States in 2026, with changes already in place in many states and more scheduled for later in the year. According to an annual report issued by National Employment Law Project, a total of 19 states and 49 cities and counties have raised their minimum wage on January 1, according to a report.

Minimum wage hikes roll out across states and cities in 2026

In 60 of those jurisdictions, the minimum wage will now reach or exceed $15 an hour for some or all employers, as per a USA Today report. This includes three states and 40 areas whose workers will receive at least $17 an hour for certain employers.

$15 and $17 an hour wages expand in dozens of jurisdictions

More increases are still ahead. Later in 2026, another four states and 22 local jurisdictions are set to raise their minimum wages. Of those, 25 areas will move to a minimum wage of $15 an hour or more, including one state and 17 local jurisdictions that will establish or exceed $17 an hour for some employers, as per the USA Today report.


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These states raised minimum wage on January 1

The states that lifted their minimum wage on January 1 are Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.

More minimum wage increases scheduled later this year

Later in the year, Alaska, Florida, and Oregon are among the states scheduled to raise pay later in 2026.

Hawaii leads with the biggest hourly wage increase

The largest single increase comes from Hawaii, which is boosting its minimum wage by $2 an hour.

California introduces separate wage rule for health care workers

California will enact a separate new minimum wage specifically for health care workers.

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Federal minimum wage remains unchanged

The federal minimum wage remains $7.25 an hour, a level that has been in place since 2009 following a series of increases under the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007. Today, 30 states and Washington, D.C., have minimum wages set above the federal minimum wage of $7.25, as per the USA Today report.

FAQs

Which state has the biggest minimum wage increase?
Hawaii is raising its minimum wage by $2 an hour, the largest increase among states.

Is the federal minimum wage changing in 2026?
No, the federal minimum wage remains $7.25 an hour.