Minimum wage increases in the U.S. in 2026: what changes by state (February 2026)

Minimum wage rules in the United States vary a lot from state to state. In some places, wages go up automatically each year (often based on inflation).

In others, the minimum wage stays at the federal level and does not change unless lawmakers update it.
 

Federal minimum wage in 2026

The federal minimum wage is still $7.25 per hour in 2026. It has stayed at that level since 2009.

This federal rate applies in states that do not set a higher minimum wage of their own or that follow the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Examples mentioned include Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas.

Even though the federal wage is unchanged, many states have set higher minimum wages.
 

States with the highest minimum wages in 2026

Some states and territories have the highest minimum wages, often because the cost of living is higher and local laws require regular increases:
 

• Washington, D.C.: $17.95/hour
• Washington: $17.13
• New York: $17.00 (New York City and Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties); $16.00 (rest of the state)
• Connecticut: $16.94
• California: $16.90

These areas often raise wages annually using formulas connected to inflation.
 

Where wages are increasing in 2026

In 2026, 21 states are expected to see minimum wage increases either starting in January or later in the year. Examples highlighted include:
 

• Alaska: rises to $14.00/hour starting July 1, 2026
• Florida: reaches $15.00/hour starting September 30, 2026
• Michigan: is $13.73/hour and is scheduled to reach $15.00 in 2027
• Missouri and Nebraska: already at $15.00/hour

 

States that still match the federal minimum

Even with many increases around the country, several states still use $7.25/hour, including Georgia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In these states, any change would depend on state decisions or a future federal law update.
 

Minimum wage by state (as listed)

 

• Alabama: $7.25
• Alaska: $14.00 (from July 1, 2026)
• Arizona: $15.15
• Arkansas: $11.00
• California: $16.90
• Colorado: $15.16
• Connecticut: $16.94
• Delaware: $15.00
• District of Columbia: $17.95
• Florida: $15.00 (from September 30, 2026)
• Georgia: $7.25
• Hawaii: $16.00
• Idaho: $7.25
• Illinois: $15.00
• Indiana: $7.25
• Iowa: $7.25
• Kansas: $7.25
• Kentucky: $7.25
• Louisiana: $7.25
• Maine: $15.10
• Maryland: $15.00
• Massachusetts: $15.00
• Michigan: $13.73
• Minnesota: $11.41
• Mississippi: $7.25
• Missouri: $15.00
• Montana: $10.85
• Nebraska: $15.00
• Nevada: $12.00
• New Hampshire: $7.25
• New Jersey: $15.92
• New Mexico: $12.00
• New York: $17.00 (NYC, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester); $16.00 (rest of state)
• North Carolina: $7.25
• North Dakota: $7.25
• Ohio: $11.00 (employers with income $405,000)
• Oklahoma: $7.25
• Oregon: $16.30 (Portland metro); $15.05 (general); $14.05 (non-urban counties)
• Pennsylvania: $7.25
• Rhode Island: $16.00
• South Carolina: $7.25
• South Dakota: $11.85
• Tennessee: $7.25
• Texas: $7.25
• Utah: $7.25
• Vermont: $14.42
• Virginia: $12.77
• Washington: $17.13
• West Virginia: $8.75
• Wisconsin: $7.25
• Wyoming: $7.25

 

Bottom line

The U.S. minimum wage picture in 2026 remains divided. Some states raise pay regularly and now sit well above $15 per hour, while others still stay at the federal minimum of $7.25.

Differences in cost of living and state policies help explain the gap, but it also means workers’ pay can vary widely depending on where they live.

-

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for instant updates and articles straight to your inbox.