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The 25 States With Minimum Wage Increases: Minimum Wage By State In 2026
The state with the highest minimum wage increase is Virginia, where the minimum wage rose by $2.25 from $9.50 to $11.75.
The highest minimum wage in the U.S. is California, currently set at $15.50.
Only 5 states have never adopted a state minimum wage: Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
9 states have increased their minimum wage by a dollar or more, including: Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, Rhode Island, and Virginia.
While the federal minimum wage remains at $7.25 per hour, numerous states, cities, and counties have enacted higher minimum wage laws.
As of 2026, 25 states have implemented minimum wage increases, reflecting ongoing adjustments in response to inflation and the cost of living.
Below, we outline the increases, their effective dates, and address common inquiries regarding minimum wage policies.
Although some states have minimum wages lower than the federal standard, most states implemented their new minimum wage rates effective January 1, 2026. Notable exceptions include Connecticut, Nevada, Oregon, Florida, and Virginia, which will see changes later in the year. For a detailed breakdown of each state’s changes, see the table below:
Changes To Minimum Wage in 2026
These 25 states are increasing their minimum wage in 2026:
| State | 2025 Minimum Wage | 2026 Minimum Wage | Increase | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $10.34 | $10.50 | $0.16 | 1/1/2026 |
| Arkansas | $11.00 | $12.00 | $1.00 | 1/1/2026 |
| Arizona | $12.15 | $12.85 | $0.70 | 1/1/2026 |
| California | $14.00 | $15.50 | $1.50 | 1/1/2026 |
| Colorado | $12.32 | $13.00 | $0.68 | 1/1/2026 |
| Connecticut | $13.00 | $14.00 | $1.00 | 8/1/2026 |
| Delaware | $10.25 | $11.00 | $0.75 | 1/1/2026 |
| Florida | $10.00 | $12.00 | $2.00 | 9/30/2026 |
| Illinois | $11.00 | $12.00 | $1.00 | 1/1/2026 |
| Massachusetts | $13.50 | $14.25 | $0.75 | 1/1/2026 |
| Maryland | $11.75 | $12.50 | $0.75 | 1/1/2026 |
| Maine | $12.15 | $12.75 | $0.60 | 1/1/2026 |
| Minnesota | $10.08 | $10.50 | $0.42 | 1/1/2026 |
| Missouri | $10.30 | $11.00 | $0.70 | 1/1/2026 |
| Montana | $8.75 | $9.00 | $0.25 | 1/1/2026 |
| New Jersey | $12.00 | $13.00 | $1.00 | 1/1/2026 |
| New Mexico | $10.50 | $11.50 | $1.00 | 1/1/2026 |
| Nevada | $8.75 | $9.50 | $0.75 | 7/1/2026 |
| New York | $12.50 | $13.50 | $1.00 | 1/1/2026 |
| Ohio | $8.80 | $9.00 | $0.20 | 1/1/2026 |
| Oregon | $12.75 | $13.50 | $0.75 | 7/1/2026 |
| Rhode Island | $11.50 | $12.50 | $1.00 | 1/1/2026 |
| South Dakota | $9.45 | $9.75 | $0.30 | 1/1/2026 |
| Virginia | $9.50 | $11.75 | $2.25 | 5/1/2026 |
| Vermont | $11.75 | $12.50 | $0.75 | 1/1/2026 |
| Washington | $13.69 | $14.00 | $0.31 | 1/1/2026 |
Who Is Exempt From Minimum Wage?
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Tipped workers
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Student-learners
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Workers with disabilities under certain circumstances
What is the tipped minimum wage?
Tipped workers are exempt from the federal minimum wage and are subject to a tipped minimum wage of at least $2.13 per hour, with the expectation that tips will supplement their income significantly.
If the combination of wages and tips does not meet the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour for the pay period, employers must compensate the difference. In states with higher minimum wages, workers must earn at least the state minimum wage, including tips.
What jobs commonly rely on tips?
Conclusion
As the labor market evolves, minimum wage adjustments continue to reflect the changing economic landscape. Understanding these changes is crucial for both job seekers and employers in navigating the complexities of compensation in 2026. Stay informed about minimum wage laws in your state to ensure compliance and fair pay practices.
Author
Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.
