Which States Are Raising the Minimum Wage in 2026?
Nineteen states — including New York, California, Hawaii, Colorado and Washington — will raise their minimum wages on January 1, 2026. Nearly 50 cities and counties will follow suit with their own increases.
Several regions will cross the $15-per-hour threshold, and more states will adjust wages later in the year. These raises come as workers face ongoing cost-of-living pressure and as inflation continues to influence wages nationwide.
Workers are encouraged to check updated rate charts to ensure their 2026 pay reflects the new legal minimum.
Many of these changes align with broader shifts in state and federal money laws taking effect nationwide, as detailed in our 2026 money law overview.
