Economy

Where the minimum wage will increase in ’26

Most of the nearly two dozen states raising wage floors will do so on Jan. 1.

Sophie Quinton

07:00 AM, Jan 01, 2026

Lawrence Cheng, left, whose family owns seven Wendy’s locations south of Los Angeles, works with part-time employee Adriana Ruiz at his Wendy’s restaurant in Fountain Valley, Calif., June 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Minimum wages will increase in 22 states next year, with 19 states hiking them on Jan. 1. Minimum wages are also rising in Washington, D.C., and dozens of other cities and counties that set their own wage floors. 

The minimum wage next year will meet or exceed $15 an hour in 18 mostly Democratic-led states, more than double the $7.25 federal minimum that applies in 20 mostly Republican-led states. 

Stay informed
Subscribe to keep reading.

Sign up today to get the latest state new at your fingertips and in your inbox.

View Memberships