Millions of Workers Will See Minimum Wage Increases in 2026

Millions of U.S. workers will start the new year with higher pay as minimum wage increases take effect across the country. On January 1, 19 states will raise their wage floors, delivering direct pay boosts to minimum wage workers and indirect raises to others as employers adjust pay scales.

The changes affect more than 8.3 million workers, according to estimates from the Economic Policy Institute. The increases come as inflation continues to strain household budgets, particularly for low-income earners. For the first time, more workers will live in states with a minimum wage of $15 an hour or higher than in states still using the federal minimum of $7.25.

Arizona’s minimum wage increases by 3.1 percent on January 1, bringing the statewide rate to $15.15 an hour as part of its voter-approved inflation adjustment.

California continues to maintain one of the nation’s highest minimum wages, with an increase taking effect January 1 under its automatic annual adjustment policy.

Colorado raises its minimum wage on January 1 as part of its scheduled increase tied to inflation, pushing hourly pay higher for workers statewide.

Connecticut’s minimum wage rises on January 1, continuing its multi-year plan to lift pay for low-wage workers.

Hawaii increases its minimum wage on January 1 as part of a broader effort to address rising living costs across the islands.

Maine’s minimum wage increases on January 1 under its inflation-indexed law, delivering higher pay for workers statewide.

Michigan raises its minimum wage on January 1, reflecting ongoing adjustments aimed at improving wages for low-income workers.

Minnesota’s minimum wage rises on January 1, with annual inflation-based increases built into state law.

Missouri crosses the $15 an hour threshold on January 1, marking a major milestone in the state’s minimum wage increases.

Montana’s minimum wage increases on January 1 through an automatic inflation adjustment approved by voters.

Nebraska reaches the $15 an hour minimum wage mark on January 1 as part of its voter-approved wage increase plan.

New Jersey raises its minimum wage on January 1, with certain sectors such as long-term care workers reaching even higher pay floors.

New York increases its minimum wage on January 1, including $17 an hour for workers in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County.

Ohio’s minimum wage rises by 2.8 percent on January 1, bringing the statewide rate to $11 an hour.

Rhode Island increases its minimum wage on January 1 as part of its phased plan to boost worker pay.

South Dakota’s minimum wage rises on January 1 through an annual inflation-based adjustment.

Vermont raises its minimum wage on January 1, continuing a trend of steady increases aimed at supporting low-wage workers.

Virginia’s minimum wage increases by 2.9 percent on January 1, bringing the rate to $12.77 an hour.

Washington state raises its minimum wage by 2.8 percent on January 1, setting the statewide rate at $17.33 an hour.

Florida’s minimum wage increases later in the year under its voter-approved schedule, continuing annual step-ups toward higher pay.

Alaska raises its minimum wage later in the year through its automatic inflation adjustment process.

Oregon increases its minimum wage later in the year, with rates varying by region under the state’s tiered system.