In 2026, nearly 20 U.S. states will raise their minimum wage, impacting millions of workers. This includes a mix of Republican- and Democrat-controlled states, with wage floors increasing to keep pace with inflation or as part of scheduled hikes. The Economic Policy Institute estimates that around 8.3 million workers will benefit, gaining a combined $5 billion. Washington will have the highest minimum wage at $17.13 per hour, while New York will follow closely behind with a minimum hourly wage of $17 in certain areas. Other states set to raise their minimum wage include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, and more. This move will significantly impact workers in nearly 50 cities and localities, with some areas even imposing a $20.25 hourly wage in West Hollywood and $21.65 in Tukwila. However, 20 states in the South will remain unaffected by these changes, as they either lack a minimum wage or have a wage that doesn't exceed the federal minimum.
