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While the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, many states, cities, and counties have mandated higher minimum wages.
The federal minimum wage hasn’t changed since 2009. However in 2021, 25 states are raising their minimum wage for workers.
Below we breakdown the increases, when they come into effect, and other common questions about minimum wage.
Each State’s Minimum Wage For 2021
While some states do have a minimum wage lower than the federal minimum wage,
In most of these states, the new, higher minimum wage was effective on January 1, 2021. However, in Connecticut, Nevada, Oregon, Florida and Virginia, the increase will occur later in the year. You can see a more detailed breakdown on each state’s changes below:
Changes To Minimum Wage in 2021
These 27 states are are increasing their minimum wage in 2021:
| State | 2020 Minimum Wage | 2021 Minimum Wage | Increase | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $10.19 | $10.34 | $0.15 | 1/1/2021 |
| Arkansas | $10.00 | $11.00 | $1.00 | 1/1/2021 |
| Arizona | $12.00 | $12.15 | $0.15 | 1/1/2021 |
| California | $13.00 | $14.00 | $1.00 | 1/1/2021 |
| Colorado | $12.00 | $12.32 | $0.32 | 1/1/2021 |
| Connecticut | $12.00 | $13.00 | $1.00 | 8/1/21 |
| Delaware | $9.25 | $10.25 | $1.00 | 1/1/2021 |
| Florida | $8.56 | $10.00 | $1.44 | 9/30/21 |
| Illinois | $10.00 | $11.00 | $1.00 | 1/1/2021 |
| Massachusetts | $12.75 | $13.50 | $0.75 | 1/1/2021 |
| Maryland | $11.00 | $11.75 | $0.75 | 1/1/2021 |
| Maine | $12.00 | $12.15 | $0.15 | 1/1/2021 |
| Minnesota | $10.00 | $10.08 | $0.08 | 1/1/2021 |
| Missouri | $9.45 | $10.30 | $0.85 | 1/1/2021 |
| Montana | $8.65 | $8.75 | $0.10 | 1/1/2021 |
| New Jersey | $11.00 | $12.00 | $1.00 | 1/1/2021 |
| New Mexico | $9.00 | $10.50 | $1.50 | 1/1/21 |
| Nevada | $8.00 | $8.75 | $0.75 | 7/1/21 |
| New York | $11.80 | $12.50 | $0.70 | 1/1/21 |
| Ohio | $8.70 | $8.80 | $0.10 | 1/1/21 |
| Oregon | $12.00 | $12.75 | $0.75 | 7/1/21 |
| Rhode Island | $10.50 | $11.50 | $1.00 | 1/1/21 |
| South Dakota | $9.30 | $9.45 | $0.15 | 1/1/21 |
| Virginia | $7.25 | $9.50 | $2.25 | 5/1/21 |
| Vermont | $10.96 | $11.75 | $0.79 | 1/1/21 |
| Washington | $13.50 | $13.69 | $0.19 | 01/01/2021 |
| Michigan | $9.65 | $9.87 | $0.22 | 1/1/2021 |
Who Is Exempt From Minimum Wage?
- Tipped workers
- Student-learners
- Workers with disabilities under certain circumstances
What is the tipped minimum wage?
Tipped workers are exempt from the federal minimum wage– and instead are subject to a tipped minimum wage of least $2.13 per hour, with the expectation tips will make up the bulk of workers income.
If combined wages and tips do not equal the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hours worked for the pay period, the employer is required to make up the difference. In states with higher minimum wages, workers must earn at least the state minimum wage with tips.
What jobs commonly rely on tips?
Author
Kathy Morris
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.
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