Minimum wage just went up in 19 states—workers in one state are getting a $2 an hour raise

Minimum wage just went up in 19 statesâworkers in one state are getting a $2 an hour raise

Published Thu, Jan 1 2026

8:30 AM EST

Natalie Wu @_nataliewu_

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Many U.S. workers are ringing in the new year with a raise as new minimum wage increases take effect in states and localities across the country on Thursday.

More than 8.3 million workers are expected to benefit from minimum wage hikes in 19 states, which will collectively add an estimated $5 billion in earnings nationwide, according to aÂ December report by the Economic Policy Institute.

On top of changes to state minimum wages, many cities and municipalities with local wage standards increased their minimum wages Thursday as well. For example, Seattle's minimum wage rose to $21.30 an hour, and the minimum wage in Minneapolis is now $16.37 an hour.

Minimum wage workers in Hawaii will see the largest jump in their hourly pay. The state's minimum wage rose by $2 per hour, from $14 to $16. Other states with minimum wage increases include Arizona, California, Michigan, New Jersey and New York.

The federal minimum wage remains at $7.25 an hour, where it has stood since 2009. Minimum wage levels vary widely depending on where workers live, with state and local laws often setting significantly higher standards.

Where state minimum wage increases went into effect on January 1

Arizona

Increased to $15.15 (from $14.70)
Tipped minimum wage: $12.15 (from $11.70)

California

Increased to $16.90 (from $16.50)

Colorado

Increased to $15.16 (from $14.81)
Tipped minimum wage: $12.14 (from $11.79)

Connecticut

Increased to $16.94 (from $16.35)
Tipped minimum wage: $6.38 (no change)

Hawaii

Increased to $16 (from $14)
Tipped minimum wage: $14.75 (from $12.75)

Maine

Increased to $15.10 (from $14.65)
Tipped minimum wage: $7.55 (from $7.33)

Michigan

Increased to $13.73 (from $12.48)
Tipped minimum wage: $5.49 (from $4.74)

Minnesota

Increased to $11.41 (from $11.13)

Missouri

Increased to $15 (from $13.75)
Tipped minimum wage: $7.50 (from $6.88)

Montana

Increased to $10.85 (from $10.55)

Nebraska

Increased to $15 (from $13.50)
Tipped minimum wage: $2.13 (no change)

New Jersey

Increased to $15.92 (from $15.49)
Tipped minimum wage: $6.05 (from $5.62)

New York

New York City, Long Island, and Westchester: $17 (from $16.50)
Tipped minimum wage: $11.35 (from $11)

Remainder of state: $16 (from $15.50)
Tipped minimum wage: $10.65 (from $10.35)

Ohio

Increased to $11 (from $10.70)
Tipped minimum wage: $5.50 (from $5.35)

Rhode Island

Increased to $16 (from $15)
Tipped minimum wage: $3.89 (no change)

South Dakota

Increased to $11.85 (from $11.50)
Tipped minimum wage: $5.93 (from $5.75)

Vermont

Increased to $14.42 (from $14.01)
Tipped minimum wage: $7.21 (from $7.01)

Virginia

Increased to $12.77 (from $12.41)
Tipped minimum wage: $2.13 (no change)

Washington

Increased to $17.13 (from $16.66)Â

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