Minimum wages rose in 20-plus states in 2026

The federal minimum wage remains $7.25 an hour, unchanged since 2009, while more than 20 states have raised their minimum wages for 2026 and 18 now set rates of at least $15. New Jersey’s minimum wage for most workers rises to $16.48 an hour on Jan. 1, with separate rates for agricultural, seasonal, small-employer, long-term-care and tipped workers. California’s statewide minimum wage will increase from $16.90 to $17.40 on Jan. 1, 2027, though some local rates are higher. Boulder County, Colorado, will raise its minimum wage to $17.43 and its tipped wage to $14.41 in 2027; its local rules cover unincorporated areas and some workers employed in incorporated areas.