Summary
Nineteen states in the United States are increasing their minimum wages, affecting about 8 million workers. This change comes as the federal minimum wage remains unchanged since 2009 at $7.25 per hour, prompting states to raise their own rates. Hawaii will see the largest increase in dollars and affect the highest percentage of its workforce.
Key Facts
- 19 states are raising their minimum wage in January 2026.
- Around 8 million Americans will receive pay raises due to these changes.
- The federal minimum wage is still $7.25, unchanged since 2009.
- Hawaii will increase its minimum wage by $2.00, the largest among these states.
- 58.1% of workers impacted are women.
- Black and Hispanic workers are disproportionately affected compared to their workforce representation.
- Nearly half (49.4%) of the affected workers have full-time jobs.
- 21.0% of the affected workers live below the poverty line.
