Minimum wage rates continue to change across the U.S., and 2026 is no exception. Each year, states update minimum wage requirements through new legislation, inflation-based adjustments, or voter-approved schedules. While many 2026 increases take effect on January 1, others are scheduled to change later in the year.
This guide breaks down 2026 minimum wage changes by state, highlights effective dates, and outlines what employers need to know to stay compliant. For prior-year context, employers can also review our 2025 minimum wage rates by state.
Key Minimum Wage Increases Effective January 1, 2026
The following states have confirmed minimum wage increases effective at the start of the year. Employers should ensure payroll systems and wage policies are updated before January 1, 2026.
- Arizona: $15.15 per hour
- California: $16.90 per hour (higher rates may apply for certain industries)
- Colorado: $15.16 per hour
- Connecticut: $16.94 per hour
- Hawaii: $16.00 per hour
- Maine: $15.10 per hour
- Michigan: $13.73 per hour
- Minnesota: $11.41 per hour for large employers
- Missouri: $15.00 per hour
- Montana: $10.85 per hour
- Nebraska: $15.00 per hour
- New Jersey: $15.92 per hour for large employers
- New York:
- $17.00 per hour (NYC, Long Island, Westchester)
- $16.00 per hour (rest of state)
- Ohio: $11.00 per hour
- Rhode Island: $16.00 per hour
- South Dakota: $11.85 per hour
- Vermont: $14.42 per hour
- Virginia: $12.77 per hour
- Washington: $17.13 per hour
States With Mid-Year or Later 2026 Minimum Wage Changes
Not all minimum wage changes take effect on January 1. The following states have scheduled increases later in 2026, requiring additional payroll updates during the year.
- Alaska: $14.00 per hour effective July 1, 2026
- Oregon: Annual inflation-based adjustment effective July 1, 2026 (rate announced closer to the effective date)
- Florida: $15.00 per hour effective September 30, 2026, completing the state’s multi-year increase schedule
- Washington, DC: Annual inflation-based adjustment effective July 1, 2026 (rate announced closer to the effective date)
2026 Minimum Wage Effective Dates by State
2026 Minimum Wage Effective Dates
- Effective January 1, 2026
- Effective mid-year or later in 2026
- Federal minimum wage / no confirmed 2026 change
| State | 2026 Minimum Wage | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $14.00 | July 1 |
| Arizona | $15.15 | Jan 1 |
| California | $16.90 | Jan 1 |
| Colorado | $15.16 | Jan 1 |
| Connecticut | $16.94 | Jan 1 |
| Florida | $15.00 | Sept 30 |
| Hawaii | $16.00 | Jan 1 |
| Maine | $15.10 | Jan 1 |
| Maryland | $15.00 (local rates vary) | Jan 1 |
| Michigan | $13.73 | Jan 1 |
| Minnesota | $11.41 (large employers) | Jan 1 |
| Missouri | $15.00 | Jan 1 |
| Montana | $10.85 | Jan 1 |
| Nebraska | $15.00 | Jan 1 |
| New Jersey | $15.92 (large employers) | Jan 1 |
| New York | $17 / $16 | Jan 1 |
| Ohio | $11.00 | Jan 1 |
| Oregon | TBD | July 1 |
| Rhode Island | $16.00 | Jan 1 |
| South Dakota | $11.85 | Jan 1 |
| Vermont | $14.42 | Jan 1 |
| Virginia | $12.77 | Jan 1 |
| Washington | $17.13 | Jan 1 |
| Washington, DC | TBD | July 1 |
Note: Some states differentiate rates based on employer size, location, or industry. Employers should verify all applicable wage requirements before making payroll updates.
Federal Minimum Wage and States That Follow It
The federal minimum wage remains $7.25 per hour, unchanged since 2009. Employers operating in states without a higher state-established minimum wage must continue to comply with the federal rate unless an exemption applies.
The following states are expected to follow the federal minimum wage in 2026 unless legislative changes occur:
Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Local and Industry-Specific Minimum Wage Considerations
In addition to state minimum wages, employers should be aware that:
- Cities and counties may enforce higher local minimum wages
- Certain industries may be subject to occupation-specific wage requirements
- Employer size may impact which wage rate applies
When multiple wage rates apply, employers must pay employees the highest applicable minimum wage.
What Employers Should Do Now
To prepare for 2026 minimum wage changes, employers should:
- Review all applicable state and local wage laws
- Confirm effective dates, especially for mid-year changes
- Update payroll systems ahead of scheduled increases
- Communicate wage changes to managers and employees
- Partner with a payroll provider that actively monitors compliance changes
