Summary
Many U.S. states are set to raise their minimum wage rates by 2026. The federal minimum wage has been $7.25 per hour since 2009, but these state-level increases aim to better match the current cost of living. Eighteen states have confirmed they'll implement these changes starting January 1, 2026.
Key Facts
- The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, unchanged since 2009.
- By 2026, 18 states will increase their minimum wage rates.
- In Arizona, the minimum wage will increase from $14.70 to $15.15.
- California will move from $16.50 to $16.90.
- Hawaii will see the largest increase from $14.00 to $16.00.
- Some states, like Alabama and Mississippi, do not have their own minimum wage laws; the federal rate applies.
- Certain workers are not covered by minimum wage laws, such as salaried executives and some farmworkers.
- Efforts to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour are ongoing.
