Which States Are Increasing Their Minimum Wage in 2026

The Gap Between States Is Growing

In 2026, how much you earn per hour depends heavily on where you live. Some states are raising their minimum wage, while others have not changed their rates in years.

The federal minimum wage is still $7.25 per hour—the same rate since 2009. However, many states now pay workers much more.

For example, Washington state pays $17.13 per hour, and Washington, D.C. pays $17.95 per hour. Meanwhile, workers in states without their own minimum wage laws are stuck at the federal rate.

Which States Are Raising Their Minimum Wage?

More than 20 states are increasing their minimum wage in 2026. These include:

• California: $16.90 per hour
• Connecticut: $16.94 per hour
• New York: $17.00 per hour in New York City and surrounding counties; $16.00 per hour in the rest of the state
• Florida: $15.00 per hour (starting September 30)
• Alaska: $14.00 per hour (starting July 1)
• Hawaii: $16.00 per hour
• Missouri and Nebraska: $15.00 per hour
• Rhode Island: $16.00 per hour

Other states raising their wages include Arizona, Colorado, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, Ohio, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.

States Still at the Federal Minimum

Not all states have raised their wages. The following states still follow the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour for most workers:

Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

It's More Complicated Than One Number

Minimum wage rules can vary even within the same state. Here are a few examples:

• Oregon has different rates for the Portland area, standard counties, and rural areas.
• New Jersey has separate rates for seasonal workers and small businesses with six or fewer employees.
• Ohio applies a higher minimum wage only to employers that meet a certain income level.

Additionally, tipped workers, teenagers, students, and some other job types may have different pay rules depending on the state. Some cities and counties also set their own minimum wages that are higher than the state rate.

What This Means for Workers and Employers

For workers in states with higher minimum wages, 2026 could mean a bigger paycheck. For employers, keeping up with these changes is more challenging than ever. Businesses that operate in multiple states must track federal laws, state laws, local rules, and special exceptions.

The bottom line: Minimum wage is no longer a simple, one-size-fits-all number. It varies by location, job type, and employer size—and it changes frequently.

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