The Minimum Wage Increased in These 19 States on Jan. 1
As we welcome the new year, minimum-wage workers in 19 states across the country are starting 2026 with a pay raise. Among these states are a few that have recently reached or surpassed the $15-per-hour mark, marking a significant milestone in the fight for fair wages.
States like Connecticut, with a minimum wage of $16.94 per hour, and Washington, with a minimum wage of $17.13, implemented additional increases at the beginning of the year. Other states, such as Montana ($10.85) and Ohio ($11), also saw inflation adjustments that raised their minimum wage rates.
It’s worth noting that the federal minimum wage has remained stagnant at $7.25 per hour since 2009, underscoring the importance of state-level initiatives to ensure adequate compensation for workers. According to ADP, 20 states still have minimum wages at or below the federal level, while 34 states and territories have established higher minimum wages in certain areas.
January is a common month for minimum wage increases, with many states implementing automatic cost-of-living adjustments or enacting planned wage hikes. For example, Nebraska’s minimum wage rose to $15 in 2026 as part of a multi-year plan following a successful ballot measure in 2022.
Looking ahead, several states are expected to raise their minimum wage rates later in the year, continuing the trend of progress towards fairer compensation for workers.
States adjusting minimum wages for inflation in 2026
Thirteen states saw minimum wage adjustments based on inflation indexes like the consumer price index on Jan. 1. Here’s a breakdown of the changes:
- Arizona: $14.70 to $15.15 (+45 cents)
- California: $16.50 to $16.90 (+40 cents)
- Colorado: $14.81 to $15.16 (+35 cents)
- Connecticut: $16.35 to $16.94 (+59 cents)*
- Maine: $14.65 to $15.10 (+45 cents)
- Minnesota: $11.13 to $11.41 (+28 cents)
- Montana: $10.55 to $10.85 (+30 cents)
- New Jersey: $15.49 to $15.92 (+43 cents)*
- Ohio: $10.70 to $11 (+30 cents)
- South Dakota: $11.50 to $11.85 (+35 cents)
- Vermont: $14.01 to $14.42 (+41 cents)
- Virginia: $12.41 to $12.77 (+36 cents)
- Washington: $16.66 to $17.13 (+47 cents)
It’s important to note that Connecticut’s minimum wage increase is tied to the employment cost index, resulting in a larger raise. In New Jersey, certain employers have different minimum wage requirements, with seasonal employers and those with fewer than six employees subject to a lower rate of $15.23 in 2026.
States with minimum wage law changes in 2026
Several states have implemented new minimum wage laws in recent years, leading to significant wage increases in 2026. Here are six states that saw changes effective Jan. 1:
- Hawaii: $14 to $16 (+$2)
- Michigan: $12.48 to $13.73 (+$1.25)
- Missouri: $13.75 to $15 (+$1.25)
- Nebraska: $13.50 to $15 (+$1.50)
- New York: $15.50 to $16 (+50 cents)
- Rhode Island: $15 to $16 (+$1)
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