On Jan. 1, more than 8.3 million workers got pay bumps as 19 states raised their minimum wages for the new year, the Economic Policy Institute reported. These changes mean there are more workers in states paying at least $15 per hour than there are workers in states with a federal minimum of $7.25.
Here’s what you need to know — and whether your paycheck is going up.
States That Now Have a Minimum Wage Above $16 Per Hour
These states now have high minimum wages, well above the federal baseline.
- Washington: $17.13 (tipped: $17.13)
- California: $16.90 (tipped: $16.90)
- Connecticut: $16.94 (tipped: $6.38)
Learn More: How Much Money Would Workers Have If the Minimum Wage Kept Up With Inflation?
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States Between $15 and $16
These states are closing the gap toward a living wage standard.
- New York: $16.00 (tipped: $10.65)
- Hawaii: $16.00 (tipped: $14.75)
- Rhode Island: $16.00 (tipped: $3.89)
- New Jersey: $15.92 (tipped: $6.05)
- Colorado: $15.16 (tipped: $12.14)
- Arizona: $15.15 (tipped: $12.15)
- Maine: $15.10 (tipped: $7.55)
- Missouri: $15.00 (tipped: $7.50)
- Nebraska: $15.00 (tipped: $2.13)
States Below $15
While these states raised wages, they remain below $15 per hour.
- Vermont: $14.42 (tipped: $7.21)
- Michigan: $13.73 (tipped: $5.49)
- Virginia: $12.77 (tipped: $2.13)
- South Dakota: $11.85 (tipped: $5.93)
- Ohio: $11.00 (tipped: $5.50)
- Minnesota: $11.41 (tipped: $11.41)
- Montana: $10.85 (tipped: $10.85)
What About Tipped Workers?
Even among states that are raising the minimum wage, tipped minimum wages vary widely — from $2.13 in Virginia and Nebraska to full parity in states like Washington and California. If you work in a tipped role, check your state’s rules to ensure you’re earning the correct base pay.
What This Means for You
If you’re a minimum wage worker, expect to see bigger paychecks — and even smaller increases can add up. Over the course of the year, the 2026 increases will add between $246 and $1,346 to a full-time worker’s average wages.
Whether you’re now earning $11 or $17 an hour, these changes could make a big difference in your budget.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 19 States Raised the Minimum Wage for 2026 — See How Much More You’ll Earn
