States with the highest minimum wage, 2026
General minimum wage for most employers on October 1, 2026, all 50 states and DC. Cities and counties with their own ordinances go higher; they are listed below the ranking.
Lowest
$7.25
Alabama and 19 more
Spread
$11.15
an hour between top and bottom; the top rate is 2.5× the bottom
Ranking · 51 jurisdictions
Highest first
State rate Federal floor applies Federal $7.25
| Rank | State | Per hour | Scale $0–$25 | Since | Next change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of ColumbiaSince July 1, 2026SourceBeginning July 1, 2026, the minimum wage in the District of Columbia will increase from $17.95 per hour to $18.40 per hour for all workers, regardless of size of employer.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $18.40 | July 1, 2026 | — | |
| 2 | WashingtonSince January 1, 2026Source | $17.13 | January 1, 2026 | — | |
| 3 | ConnecticutSince January 1, 2026 · $17.48 on January 1, 2027SourceGovernor Ned Lamont today announced that beginning on January 1, 2026, Connecticut’s minimum wage will increase from the current rate of $16.35 per hour to $16.94 per hour.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $16.94 | January 1, 2026 | $17.48January 1, 2027 | |
| 4 | CaliforniaSince January 1, 2026 · $17.40 on January 1, 2027SourceEffective January 1, 2026, the minimum wage is $16.90 per hour for all employers, not otherwise covered by a higher minimum wage specific to an industry or a locality.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $16.90 | January 1, 2026 | $17.40January 1, 2027 | |
| 5 | HawaiiSince January 1, 2026 · $18.00 on January 1, 2028Source$16.00 per hour beginning January 1, 2026
Verified September 26, 2026 | $16.00 | January 1, 2026 | $18.00January 1, 2028 | |
| 5 | New YorkSince January 1, 2026SourceRemainder of state (outside of New York City and Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties): $9.70 per hour on and after December 31, 2016; $10.40 per hour on and after December 31, 2017; $11.10 per hour on and after December 31, 2018; $11.80 per hour on and after December 31, 2019; $12.50 per hour on and after December 31, 2020; $13.20 per hour on and after December 31, 2021; $14.20 per hour on and after December 31, 2022; $15.00 per hour on and after January 1, 2024; $15.50 per hour on and after January 1, 2025; $16.00 per hour on and after January 1, 2026.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $16.00 | January 1, 2026 | — | |
| 5 | Rhode IslandSince January 1, 2026 · $17.00 on January 1, 2027Source: R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-12-3(p) Commencing January 1, 2026, the minimum wage is sixteen dollars ($16.00) per hour.
Verified October 1, 2026 | $16.00 | January 1, 2026 | $17.00January 1, 2027 | |
| 8 | New JerseySince January 1, 2026 · $16.48 on January 1, 2027SourceDate Most Employers Seasonal & Small Employers (fewer than 6) Agricultural Employers Cash for Tipped Workers Wage for Long-Term Care Facility Direct Care Staff January 1, 2020 $11 $10.30 $10.30 $3.13 $11; $14 as of 11/1/20 January 1, 2021 $12 $11.10 $10.30 $4.13 $15 January 1, 2022 $13 $11.90 $11.05 $5.13 $16 January 1, 2023 $14.13 $12.93 $12.01 $5.26 $17.13 January 1, 2024 $15.13 $13.73 $12.81 $5.26 $18.13 January 1, 2025 $15.49 $14.53 $13.40 $5.62 $18.49 January 1, 2026 $15.92 $15.23 $14.20 $6.05 $18.92
Verified September 26, 2026 | $15.92 | January 1, 2026 | $16.48January 1, 2027 | |
| 9 | ColoradoSince January 1, 2026Source: 7 CCR 1103-14 (2026 PAY CALC Order)Minimum Pay Level in COMPS Order Rule 2026 Level (Yearly Calculation) Future Annual Adjustments (A) Full Colorado minimum wage (R. 3.1) $15.16 per hour Last year’s minimum adjusted by CPI (Consumer Price Index) for Colorado
Verified September 26, 2026 | $15.16 | January 1, 2026 | — | |
| 10 | ArizonaSince January 1, 2026SourceIn 2016, voters approved Proposition 206 which increased Arizona's hourly minimum wage in four stages from $10.00 in 2017, to $12.00 by 2020 and implemented annual, cost-of-living increases based on the CPI (Proposition 202 and 206; A.R.S. § 23-363). According to the Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA), the state minimum wage in 2026 is set at $15.15 an hour
Verified September 27, 2026 | $15.15 | January 1, 2026 | — | |
| 11 | MaineSince January 1, 2026 · $15.70 on January 1, 2027SourceEffective Date | State Minimum Wage | Minimum Direct Service Wage | Maximum Tip Credit | 1/1/2027 | $15.70 | $7.85 | $7.85 | 1/1/2026 | $15.10 | $7.55 | $7.55 |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $15.10 | January 1, 2026 | $15.70January 1, 2027 | |
| 12 | DelawareSince January 1, 2025Source: 19 Del. C. § 902(a) Except as may otherwise be provided under this chapter, every employer shall pay to every employee in any occupation wages of a rate: (1) Not less than $9.25 per hour until January 1, 2022; (2) Not less than $10.50 per hour effective January 1, 2022; (3) Not less than $11.75 per hour effective January 1, 2023; (4) Not less than $13.25 per hour effective January 1, 2024; (5) Not less than $15.00 per hour effective January 1, 2025.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $15.00 | January 1, 2025 | — | |
| 12 | FloridaSince September 30, 2026Source: Fla. Const. art. X, § 24Effective September 30th, 2021, the existing state Minimum Wage shall increase to $10.00 per hour, and then increase each September 30th thereafter by $1.00 per hour, until the Minimum Wage reaches $15.00 per hour on September 30th, 2026.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $15.00 | September 30, 2026 | — | |
| 12 | IllinoisSince January 1, 2025SourceBeginning January 1, 2025, the minimum wage in Illinois is $15.00 per hour for those individuals who are 18 years and older.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $15.00 | January 1, 2025 | — | |
| 12 | MarylandSince January 1, 2024Source: Md. Code, Lab. & Empl. § 3-413Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the State minimum wage rate is: (i) for the 12–month period beginning January 1, 2023, $13.25 per hour; and (ii) beginning January 1, 2024, $15.00 per hour.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $15.00 | January 1, 2024 | — | |
| 12 | MassachusettsSince January 1, 2023SourceEffective January 1, 2023, minimum wage has increased to $15.00.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $15.00 | January 1, 2023 | — | |
| 12 | MissouriSince January 1, 2026Source: Mo. Rev. Stat. § 290.5023. Except as may be otherwise provided pursuant to sections 290.500 to 290.530, and notwithstanding subsection 1 of this section, effective January 1, 2025, every employer shall pay to each employee wages at the rate of not less than $13.75 per hour, or wages at the same rate or rates set under the provisions of federal law as the federal minimum wage applicable to those covered jobs in interstate commerce, whichever rate per hour is higher. Thereafter, the minimum wage established by this subsection shall be increased by $1.25 per hour, to $15.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2026.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $15.00 | January 1, 2026 | — | |
| 12 | NebraskaSince January 1, 2026Source: Official Report of the Nebraska Board of State Canvassers, General Election, November 8, 2022Initiative Measure 433 Shall the Nebraska statute establishing a minimum wage for employees be amended to increase the state minimum wage from nine dollars ($9.00) per hour to ten dollars and fifty cents ($10.50) per hour on January 1, 2023, to twelve dollars ($12.00) per hour on January 1, 2024, to thirteen dollars and fifty cents ($13.50) per hour on January 1, 2025, and to fifteen dollars ($15.00) per hour on January 1, 2026, to be adjusted annually thereafter to account for increases in the cost of living? County For Against Total 386,756 272,603
Verified September 26, 2026 | $15.00 | January 1, 2026 | — | |
| 19 | Oregon 3 regionsSince July 1, 2026Source$14.55 per hour - Non-urban Baker, Coos, Crook, Curry, Douglas, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, and Wheeler Counties
Verified September 26, 2026 | $14.55to $16.80 | July 1, 2026 | — | |
| 20 | VermontSince January 1, 2026SourceBeginning January 1, 2026, the State’s minimum wage will increase from $14.01 to $14.42 per hour - an increase of $0.41.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $14.42 | January 1, 2026 | — | |
| 21 | AlaskaSince July 1, 2026 · $15.00 on July 1, 2027Source: AS 23.10.065(2) Effective July 1, 2026, the minimum wage shall be $14.00 per hour;
Verified September 26, 2026 | $14.00 | July 1, 2026 | $15.00July 1, 2027 | |
| 22 | MichiganSince January 1, 2026 · $15.00 on January 1, 2027SourceEffective January 1, 2026, the minimum wage rate is $13.73 per hour.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $13.73 | January 1, 2026 | $15.00January 1, 2027 | |
| 23 | VirginiaSince January 1, 2026 · $13.75 on January 1, 2027Source: Va. Code § 40.1-28.10B. From January 1, 2026, until January 1, 2027, every employer shall pay to each of its employees wages at a rate not less than the greater of (i) $12.77 per hour or (ii) the federal minimum wage.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $12.77 | January 1, 2026 | $13.75January 1, 2027 | |
| 24 | NevadaSince July 1, 2024SourceAssembly Bill 456, passed in 2019, increased the minimum wage in increments of 75 cents annually over a five-year period. The final increase effective July 1, 2024, will bring Nevada’s minimum wage to $12 per hour.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $12.00 | July 1, 2024 | — | |
| 24 | New MexicoSince January 1, 2023Source: NMSA 1978, § 50-4-22(5) on and after January 1, 2023, at least twelve dollars ($12.00) an hour
Verified September 27, 2026 | $12.00 | January 1, 2023 | — | |
| 26 | South DakotaSince January 1, 2026Source: S.D. Codified Laws § 60-11-3The minimum wage for non-tipped employees in South Dakota is $11.85/hour. (Effective Jan. 1, 2026.)
Verified September 26, 2026 | $11.85 | January 1, 2026 | — | |
| 27 | MinnesotaSince January 1, 2026 · $11.87 on January 1, 2027Source: Minn. Stat. § 177.24As of Jan. 1, 2025, the Minnesota statewide minimum wage is $11.13 for all employers and the 90-day training wage is $9.08 for workers under age 20. Effective Jan. 1, 2026, the state minimum wage will increase to $11.41 and the training wage will increase to $9.31, reflecting a 2.5% inflation increase for both rates.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $11.41 | January 1, 2026 | $11.87January 1, 2027 | |
| 28 | ArkansasSince January 1, 2021Source: Ark. Code Ann. § 11-4-210Effective January 1, 2021, the minimum wage in Arkansas is $11.00 per hour. The Arkansas Minimum Wage Act covers employers with 4 or more employees.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $11.00 | January 1, 2021 | — | |
| 28 | OhioSince January 1, 2026Source: Ohio Const. art. II, § 34a; Ohio Rev. Code § 4111.022026 MINIMUM WAGE www.com.ohio.gov Mike DeWine Governor Jim Tressel Lt. G overnor Sherry Maxfield Director NON-TIPPED EMPLOYEES A Minimum Wage of $11.00 per hour
Verified September 26, 2026 | $11.00 | January 1, 2026 | — | |
| 30 | MontanaSince January 1, 2026SourcePursuant to §39-3-409 MCA, Montana’s Minimum Wage will increase to $10.85 per hour effective January 1, 2026.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $10.85 | January 1, 2026 | — | |
| 31 | West VirginiaSince January 1, 2016SourceAs of January 1, 2016, the state minimum wage is $8.75 per hour.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $8.75 | January 1, 2016 | — | |
| 32 | Alabama Federal floorSince July 24, 2009SourceThe federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour effective July 24, 2009.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $7.25 | July 24, 2009 | — | |
| 32 | Georgia Federal floorSince July 24, 2009SourceThe federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour effective July 24, 2009.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $7.25 | July 24, 2009 | — | |
| 32 | IdahoSince July 24, 2009Source: Idaho Code § 44-150244-1502. Minimum wages. (1) Except as hereinafter otherwise provided, no employer shall pay to any of his employees any wages computed at a rate of less than seven dollars and twenty-five cents ($7.25) per hour for employment. The amount of the minimum wage shall conform to, and track with, the federal minimum wage.
Verified October 1, 2026 | $7.25 | July 24, 2009 | — | |
| 32 | IndianaSince July 24, 2009Source: Ind. Code § 22-2-2-4Both the federal and Indiana state minimum wage increased from $6.55 per hour to $7.25 per hour, effective July 24, 2009.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $7.25 | July 24, 2009 | — | |
| 32 | IowaSince January 1, 2008Source: Iowa Code § 91D.11. a. The state hourly wage shall be at least $6.20 as of April 1, 2007, and $7.25 as of January 1, 2008.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $7.25 | January 1, 2008 | — | |
| 32 | KansasSince January 1, 2010Source: K.S.A. 44-1203(2) on and after January 1, 2010, employee wages shall be paid at a rate of not less than $7.25 an hour.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $7.25 | January 1, 2010 | — | |
| 32 | KentuckySince July 1, 2009Source: KRS 337.275and not less than seven dollars and twenty -five cents ($7.25) an hour beginning July 1, 2009.
Verified October 1, 2026 | $7.25 | July 1, 2009 | — | |
| 32 | Louisiana Federal floorSince July 24, 2009SourceThe federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour effective July 24, 2009.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $7.25 | July 24, 2009 | — | |
| 32 | Mississippi Federal floorSince July 24, 2009SourceThe federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour effective July 24, 2009.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $7.25 | July 24, 2009 | — | |
| 32 | New HampshireSince July 24, 2009SourceUnless otherwise provided by statute, no person, firm or corporation shall employ any employee at an hourly rate lower than that set forth in the federal minimum wage law, which is $7.25.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $7.25 | July 24, 2009 | — | |
| 32 | North CarolinaSince July 24, 2009SourceThe minimum wage in North Carolina is currently $7.25 an hour. Employers doing business in North Carolina are required to pay at least $7.25 per hour to all employees (agricultural and domestic employees are subject to the federal minimum wage).
Verified September 26, 2026 | $7.25 | July 24, 2009 | — | |
| 32 | North DakotaSince July 24, 2009Source: N.D. Admin. Code ch. 46-02-07MINIMUM WAGE RATE: North Dakota does not have a Training Wage. $7.25 per hour on 7/24/09
Verified September 26, 2026 | $7.25 | July 24, 2009 | — | |
| 32 | OklahomaSince July 24, 2009Source1. What is the current minimum wage? The Oklahoma minimum wage is equal to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $7.25 | July 24, 2009 | — | |
| 32 | PennsylvaniaSince July 24, 2009Source$7.25 per hour Effective July 24, 2009
Verified September 26, 2026 | $7.25 | July 24, 2009 | — | |
| 32 | South Carolina Federal floorSince July 24, 2009SourceThe federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour effective July 24, 2009.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $7.25 | July 24, 2009 | — | |
| 32 | Tennessee Federal floorSince July 24, 2009SourceThe federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour effective July 24, 2009.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $7.25 | July 24, 2009 | — | |
| 32 | TexasSince July 24, 2009SourceTexas adopts the federal minimum wage rate. The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. (Effective July 24, 2009)
Verified October 1, 2026 | $7.25 | July 24, 2009 | — | |
| 32 | UtahSince July 24, 2009SourceThe Utah minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. Minor employees (under 18 years of age) may be paid $4.25 per hour, as a training wage, for the first 90 days of employment. Employees receiving tips of at least $30.00 per month may be paid a cash wage of $2.13 per hour, if the total of the cash wage and the tips total at least $7.25 per hour.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $7.25 | July 24, 2009 | — | |
| 32 | WisconsinSince July 24, 2009Source: Wis. Admin. Code DWD 272.03Wisconsin Minimum Wage Rates Effective July 24, 2009 (Wis. Stat. ch. 104) General Minimum Wage Rates Non-Opportunity Employees: Opportunity Employees: $7.25 per Hour $5.90 per Hour
Verified September 26, 2026 | $7.25 | July 24, 2009 | — | |
| 32 | Wyoming Federal floorSince July 24, 2009SourceThe federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour effective July 24, 2009.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $7.25 | July 24, 2009 | — |
Local ordinances · top 8
Cities and counties go higher
A local rate applies to work performed inside its boundaries. Same scale as the ranking above.
| City or county | Per hour | Scale $0–$25 | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
Tukwila, WASince January 1, 2026SourcePay minimum wage of at least $21.65 per hour beginning January 1, 2026 (this can include commissions but not tips or gratuities)
Verified September 26, 2026 | $21.65 | January 1, 2026 | |
Renton, WASince January 1, 2026SourceCovered Employers | 2026 Minimum Wage Effective 1/1/26 | Large Employer -More than 500 employees worldwide and certain franchises | $21.57 |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $21.57 | January 1, 2026 | |
Seattle, WASince January 1, 2026SourceMinimum Wage: Effective on January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2026 Our ordinances cover employees working inside Seattle city limits, regardless of their immigration status or the location of the employer. If your situation does not qualify for investigation by us, we will refer you to another agency for help. An employer cannot reta liate against an employee for: • Asserting their rig hts under these laws. • Filing a complaint with OLS. • Telling others about their rights. • Investigations of complaints. • Outreach to workers. • Technical assistance for businesses. • Resources and referrals. Language interpretation, translations, and accommodations are available. All services are free. The mission of OLS is to advance labor standards through thoughtful community and business engagement, strategic enforcement and innovative policy development, with a commitment to race and social justice. $21.30/hour
Verified September 26, 2026 | $21.30 | January 1, 2026 | |
King County (unincorporated), WASince January 1, 2026SourceMore than 500 employees and gross revenue of any amount | $20.82 per hour |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $20.82 | January 1, 2026 | |
Everett, WASince January 1, 2026Source2026 Minimum Wage Rate per hour: | Employer type: | Definition: | $20.77 | Large employers |
Verified September 26, 2026 | $20.77 | January 1, 2026 | |
Emeryville, CASince July 1, 2026SourceJuly 1, 2026 | $20.34 (CPI) (all businesses)
Verified September 27, 2026 | $20.34 | July 1, 2026 | |
Mountain View, CASince January 1, 2026SourceThe 2026 Mountain View minimum wage is now $19.70, which went into effect on Jan. 1. This is a $0.50 increase from the 2025 rate.
Verified September 26, 2026 | $19.70 | January 1, 2026 | |
Berkeley, CASince July 1, 2026Source$19.61/hour: Effective July 1, 2026
Verified September 26, 2026 | $19.61 | July 1, 2026 |
Also