Minimum Wage Increases Take Effect in 19 US States in 2026

Minimum wage rates rose in 19 US states at the start of 2026, affecting millions of workers and shifting the national wage landscape.

These increases resulted in higher pay for more than 8.3 million workers nationwide, according to media reports. The changes mark a notable shift, as more employees are now working in states with minimum wages of $15 per hour or higher than in states that use the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour.

Several states implemented new minimum wage rates on January 1, 2026. For example, Missouri and Nebraska both increased their minimums to $15.00 per hour, while New York set the rate at $17.00 in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester, and $16.00 elsewhere in the state.

Other states also adopted new wage thresholds. California’s minimum wage rose to $16.90 per hour, and Washington state increased its rate to $17.13 per hour. Hawaii moved from $14.00 to $16.00 per hour, and Rhode Island raised its minimum from $15.00 to $16.00 per hour.

What the numbers show

• 19 states raised minimum wages on January 1, 2026
• More than 8.3 million workers saw pay increases
• New York City’s minimum wage reached $17.00 per hour
• Missouri and Nebraska set new minimums at $15.00 per hour
• California’s minimum wage increased to $16.90 per hour

States such as Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, and New Jersey also raised their minimum wage rates. Arizona’s minimum increased to $15.15 per hour, Colorado’s to $15.16 per hour, and Connecticut’s to $16.94 per hour. Maine’s new rate is $15.10 per hour, and New Jersey’s is $15.92 per hour.

Other states with wage increases include Michigan, which moved from $12.48 to $13.73 per hour, and Virginia, which set its new rate at $12.77 per hour. Minnesota, Montana, Ohio, South Dakota, and Vermont also raised their minimum wages, with new rates ranging from $10.85 to $14.42 per hour.

In addition to the states that raised wages at the start of 2026, Florida, Alaska, and Oregon are scheduled to implement minimum wage increases later in the year. These adjustments are part of ongoing changes to wage laws across the country.

The federal minimum wage remains at $7.25 per hour, but the latest increases mean that a majority of workers are now employed in states with higher minimums. This development reflects the growing number of states setting wage rates above the federal standard.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.