8.3 million Americans started 2026 with a pay raise

"A new year has brought a new pay rate for more than 8.3 million Americans. The minimum wage is going up in 19 states this week which will see workers in Hawaii earning as much as $2 more an hour. Collectively, these pay increases will boost pay checks by a total of $5 billion, according to the Economic Policy Institute."

"While the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour hasn't budged in nearly two decades, and still applies in eight states, many states and cities have steadily been increasing their minimum wages to well over double that amount. Seattle's minimum wage, at $21.30 per hour, is now nearly triple that federal threshold. As is the case with Seattle, 47 cities and counties around the country have also increased their minimum wages, effective January 1. Here's a look at what's changed."

Minimum wages increased in 19 states at the start of the new year, raising pay for more than 8.3 million workers and adding roughly $5 billion to paychecks nationally. Hawaii saw the largest state increase, from $14 to $16 per hour, affecting over 21% of its workforce. Several localities also raised wages, with 47 cities and counties implementing increases effective January 1. The federal minimum remains $7.25 per hour and still applies in eight states. Some state increases are small, such as Minnesota's 28-cent rise, while Seattle's minimum reached $21.30 per hour.

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