In 2026, the difference in minimum wage between states is bigger than ever. Some states keep raising their hourly pay, while others still follow the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour—a rate that hasn't changed since 2009.
This means workers in different states earn very different amounts for the same type of work.
For example, workers in Washington state earn at least $17.13 per hour, and those in Washington, D.C. earn even more at $17.95 per hour. Meanwhile, workers in states that follow the federal rate still earn just $7.25 per hour.
More Than 20 States Are Raising Their Minimum Wage
This year, over 20 states are increasing their minimum wage. These include:
- Alaska – Moving to $14.00 on July 1
- California – Rising to $16.90
- Connecticut – Reaching $16.94
- Florida – Increasing to $15.00 on September 30
- Hawaii – Going up to $16.00
- Missouri and Nebraska – Both reaching $15.00
- New York – $17.00 in New York City and nearby counties; $16.00 in the rest of the state
- Rhode Island – Climbing to $16.00
Other states raising their wages include Arizona, Colorado, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, Ohio, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.
Many States Now Pay $15.00 or More
A growing number of states now have a minimum wage of $15.00 per hour or higher. These include:
Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Washington, D.C.
Some States Haven't Changed Their Rates
On the other hand, many states still follow the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. These include:
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 Not Always Simple
Minimum wage rules can be complicated. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Different rates within a state – For example, Oregon has separate rates for the Portland area, standard counties, and rural counties.
- Different rules for different workers – Tipped employees, teenagers, student workers, and some other groups may have different minimum wage rules depending on the state.
- Local rates may be higher – Some cities and counties set their own minimum wages that are higher than the state rate.
- Small business exceptions – In New Jersey, for example, small employers with six or fewer workers may have a different minimum wage.
A Quick History Lesson
The federal minimum wage was created in 1938 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Fair Labor Standards Act.
At that time, the minimum wage was just 25 cents per hour. Unlike some state laws, the federal minimum wage does not automatically go up with inflation, which is why it has stayed the same for so many years.
What This Means for You
If you're a worker, your paycheck in 2026 may be bigger depending on where you live. If you're an employer, it's important to stay updated on the minimum wage rules in your state—and even your city—since they can change throughout the year.
The bottom line: minimum wage is no longer a simple, once-a-year federal update. It's a system that varies widely by location and job type, so staying informed is key.
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