As 19 States Raise Their Minimum Wages, the Federal Rate Remains Stuck at $7.25

"Increases range from 28 cents in Minnesota to $2 in Hawaii, with an average hike of 67 cents across all 19 states. More than 8.3 million workers will benefit from the increases, according to the Economic Policy Institute (EPI). The mean minimum wage in those 19 states will rise to $14.57 in 2026, up from $13.90 this year. Three more states - Alaska, Florida, and Oregon - plus Washington, DC are scheduled to raise their minimum wages later in 2026."

"However, the federal minimum wage remains at $7.25, and the subminimum rate for tipped workers is $2.13, where it's been since 1991 - and has lost more than half its purchasing power since then. In addition to the state hikes, nearly 50 counties and municipalities plan to raise their minimum wages in the coming year, according to the National Employment Law Project (NELP)."

Nineteen states will implement minimum wage increases in 2026, with hikes ranging from 28 cents to $2 and an average rise of 67 cents. More than 8.3 million workers will benefit, raising the mean minimum wage in those states to $14.57 next year from $13.90 this year, according to the Economic Policy Institute. Three additional states plus Washington, DC will raise wages later in 2026. Nearly 50 counties and municipalities plan local increases, including San Diego (hospitality to $25 by 2030) and Portland, Maine ($19 by 2028). The federal minimum remains $7.25 and the tipped subminimum $2.13, which has lost significant purchasing power since 1991.

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