On January 1, the minimum wage went up in many parts of the United States. More than 8.3 million workers are getting paid more now, thanks to these new wage rules.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, these changes will lead to about $5 billion more in wages nationwide.
States Raising Minimum Wage
This year, 19 states decided to boost their minimum wage. Some of the most notable changes are:
- Hawaii: The minimum wage increased from $14 to $16 per hour.
- California: Workers now earn at least $16.90 per hour.
- Arizona: The new minimum is $15.15 per hour.
- New York: In New York City, Long Island, and Westchester, the minimum wage is now $17, while it’s $16 in the rest of the state.
- Washington: Leads the nation with a $17.13 minimum wage, the highest in the country.
Other states with increases include: Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, and Virginia.
Local Cities Take Action
Some cities also made the minimum wage higher than in their states:
- Seattle: The minimum wage is now $21.30 per hour.
- Minneapolis: The new minimum wage is $16.37 per hour.
Cities like these raised wages because the cost of living is high.
Federal Minimum Wage Stays the Same
The national minimum wage is still $7.25 per hour and has not changed since 2009. This means there is a big difference between states that have updated their minimum wage and those that use the old federal rate.
Why the Increases Matter
Raising the minimum wage helps workers keep up with living costs, buy everyday things, and support themselves and their families. Most of the people affected work in jobs like fast food, retail, and hospitality.
There is still debate about raising the federal minimum wage. Supporters say everyone deserves higher pay, while some businesses worry about costs going up.
As 2026 begins, millions of workers are earning more, which is an important step in the larger conversation about fair pay and job equality in the United States.
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