Federal Minimum Wage 2026. In the absence of action at the national level, many states
In the absence of action at the national level, many states and localities have raised In 2026, Washington state will have the highest state minimum wage at $17. All these states have failed to adopt provisions that Dozens of cities, states, and counties will raise the wage floor in 2026, helping somewhat offset the spiraling cost of living. San Francisco, January 2, 2026 — Minimum wage increases have kicked off across the United States as we begin 2026, marking a substantial change for millions of low-wage workers. . 💼 While the federal minimum wage of $7. Minimum wage requirements continue to shift Minimum wages are set to rise in 22 U. C. In 2026, 20 states used the federal minimum wage of $7. Eight states already have a higher minimum Mexico, and West Virginia) with minimum wage laws above the federal rate of $7. 25 an hour, where it has stood since 2009. On January The federal minimum wage stays at $7. Employers subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act must pay the current Federal minimum wage of $7. US minimum wage 2026: Discover the upcoming minimum wage changes across the U. Minimum wage levels vary widely depending on where workers live, with state and local laws often setting Minimum wage changes that will take effect on January 1, 2026, are shown in red text. 25. The latest round of pay increases, however, will not affect 20 states concentrated in the South that lack a minimum wage or offer a minimum wage that does not exceed the federal minimum. 25 per hour. 25 per hour in 2026 —unchanged since 2009 and with no congressional action scheduled. Multiple minimum wage rates If Across 27 states, the minimum wage will not change in 2026. (Washington D. At least 19–22 states plus dozens of cities and counties will raise 📈 Minimum Wage Increases: State and local rates rise on Jan. 25 per hour hasn’t budged in nearly two decades, and still applies in eight states, many states and cities have steadily been increasing their minimum Official Titles Official Titles - House of Representatives Official Title as Introduced To provide for increases in the Federal minimum wage, and for other purposes. States with darker The Federal Minimum Wage in 2026 At the national level, the federal minimum wage remains at $7. Allow the federal Here is a summary of these changes and guidelines to help you comply with your minimum wage requirements. This chart includes major localities with their own minimum wage rates that will increase in 2026. 1, 2026, the minimum wage is set to rise in 19 states and 49 cities and counties, for a total of 68 jurisdictions, according to a report from the National Employment Law Why your state’s minimum wage still depends on your location The minimum wage you earn still depends heavily on your zip code. 13 for tipped employees where a tip credit This bill increases the federal minimum wage according to a formula specified in the bill. In 2026, a total of 20 states will keep their minimum wages at the federal level of $7. 25 are not expected to raise their minimum wages in 2026 (Table 4). 25 per hour for most employees. 95, has the If signed into law this year, the Higher Wages for American Workers Act would: Increase the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour starting in January 2026. Which states are raising their minimum wage? Twenty-two states are expected to raise their minimum wage at some point July 1, 2026 A new minimum wage rate is expected in Alaska, the District of Columbia and Oregon. 25 per hour, and 8 other states with wage floors above the On Jan. S. At least 19–22 states plus dozens of cities and counties will raise The federal minimum wage remains at $7. Some states are raising pay in 2026, others already More than 20 states will have minimum wage increases that take effect in 2026, most on January 1st. 13 per hour. 25 per hour for covered nonexempt employees and $2. Hawley’s proposal to increase the federal minimum wage On Tuesday, Hawley introduced a bill that would raise the federal minimum wage The federal minimum wage has not been raised since 2009. See the comprehensive list here. states and 66 cities and counties next year, even as the federal baseline wage remains at $7. The other 30 states (blue) had minimum wages above the federal minimum wage. 1, 2026, creating new compliance requirements for multi-location employers. Youth Training Wage The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) allows employers to pay employees under the age of 20 a reduced minimum cash wage as an introductory wage during their Key Takeaways In 2026, 19 states will raise their minimum wage on January 1, and three others will make an increase later in the year. in 2026, including states that will raise pay and those remaining at the federal minimum wage of Alabama No state minimum wage law. 4 This is more than double the federal minimum wage of $7. , at $17. First, the bill increases the minimum hourly wage to The federal minimum wage stays at $7.