In many states, the minimum wage is changing dramatically, while in others, the increase is minimal or nonexistent. For this reason, i will provide you with a list of states that have changed their minimum wages along with details on when these changes will go into effect. So check this article to know more on US Minimum Wage 2026 Increased: Check Minimum Wage Rate as per State in February 2026
For millions of American workers, a pay raise has arrived. U.S Minimum Wage Increase 2026 in 49 US cities and counties as well as 19 states on January 1. For many Americans who are trying to make ends meet due to rising costs for everything from food to electricity, this is good news. 22 states and 66 cities and counties will have raised the minimum wage for hourly workers by the end of this year. Many US states have reached or exceeded $15 per hour minimum wage for some or all employees in 2026, with a handful surpassing $17.
What is the federal US minimum wage 2026?
The US Federal minimum wage 2026 remains at $7.25 per hour, since its last increase, as established by the Fair Labor Standards Act. It applies across the country, but states and localities can and many do set higher rates, with over 30 exceeding it in 2026 through inflation adjustments, voter initiatives, or legislative schedules. For instance, while about 20 states like Alabama, Georgia, and Texas adhere to the $7.25 federal level, leaders such as Washington at $17.13, Washington D.C. at $17.95, and New York at $17.00 in major regions far surpass it, reflecting regional cost-of-living differences amid ongoing debates over a federal increase. Tipped employees face a lower federal cash wage of $2.13 per hour, as long as tips push their total earnings to at least $7.25.
U.S Minimum Wage Increase 2026
The U.S Minimum Wage February 2026 remains at $7.25 per hour, unchanged since 2009 and applicable where state or local rates do not exceed it. Starting January 1, 2026, minimum wages will increase in approximately 19-23 states, plus numerous cities and counties, often via inflation adjustments, legislation, or ballot measures. Washington state and Washington, D.C., lead with the highest rates around $17+ per hour.
The National Low Income Housing Coalition’s (NLIHC) Out of Reach 2025 report confirms that only 219 out of over 3,000 U.S. counties allow a full-time minimum-wage worker to afford fair-market rent for a one-bedroom apartment without exceeding 30% of income. Nationally, a worker needs $28.17 per hour for a modest one-bedroom or $33.63 for a two-bedroom, far above the federal $7.25 minimum. This gap forces nearly half of renters into cost-burdened status, with 22.4 million households affected and low-income renters facing severe burdens.
Minimum Wage Rate as per State in February 2026
In February 2026, US minimum wage rates reflect January 1 increases across 19+ states, with the federal floor at $7.25 governing where states don’t exceed it. Rates vary by state, region, employer size, and worker type, but this table shows the primary statewide standard for non-exempt, non-tipped adult workers.
| State | US Minimum Wage (per hour) |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 7.25 |
| Alaska | 13.00 |
| Arizona | 15.15 |
| Arkansas | 11.00 |
| California | 16.90 |
| Colorado | 15.16 |
| Connecticut | 16.94 |
| Delaware | 15.00 |
| Florida | 14.00 |
| Georgia | 7.25 |
| Hawaii | 16.00 |
| Idaho | 7.25 |
| Illinois | 15.00 |
| Indiana | 7.25 |
| Iowa | 7.25 |
| Kansas | 7.25 |
| Kentucky | 7.25 |
| Louisiana | 7.25 |
| Maine | 15.10 |
| Maryland | 15.00 |
| Massachusetts | 15.00 |
| Michigan | 13.73 |
| Minnesota | 11.41 |
| Mississippi | 7.25 |
| Missouri | 15.00 |
| Montana | 10.85 |
| Nebraska | 15.00 |
| Nevada | 12.00 |
| New Hampshire | 7.25 |
| New Jersey | 15.92 |
| New Mexico | 12.00 |
| New York | 17.00 (NYC/LI/Westchester); 16.00 rest |
| North Carolina | 7.25 |
| North Dakota | 7.25 |
| Ohio | 11.00 |
| Oklahoma | 7.25 |
| Oregon | 15.05 (standard); 16.30 (Portland metro) |
| Pennsylvania | 7.25 |
| Rhode Island | 16.00 |
| South Carolina | 7.25 |
| South Dakota | 11.85 |
| Tennessee | 7.25 |
| Texas | 7.25 |
| Utah | 7.25 |
| Vermont | 14.42 |
| Virginia | 12.77 |
| Washington | 17.13 |
| Washington, D.C. | 17.95 |
| West Virginia | 8.75 |
| Wisconsin | 7.25 |
| Wyoming | 7.25 |
Impact of US Minimum wage on employees
US Minimum wage increases generally boost earnings for low-wage employees and reduce poverty, though effects on employment vary by market conditions. Research shows positive ripple effects on nearby workers and family incomes, with limited job loss evidence in many U.S. cases.
- Higher wages improve living standards and cut poverty
- Higher wages directly impacts mental health benefits via less stress/anxiety.
- It results in greater economic stability boosts spending power and overtime willingness.
- There will be more flexibility as a highly-paid worker can relocate easier, work extra hours.
U.S States with scheduled increases or automatic adjustments
Some US states automatically raise minimum wage each year with inflation (CPI). Others have set schedules from laws or votes. Here is a list:
- Alaska: Increases to $14.00 per hour starting July 1, 2026.
- Florida: Reaches $15.00 per hour on September 30, 2026.
- Michigan: Currently $13.73 per hour; scheduled to reach $15.00 in 2027.
- Missouri: Already at $15.00 per hour.
- Nebraska: Already at $15.00 per hour.
Final Words:
These changes are confirmed by official announcements, legislation, or news reports about the US Minimum wage. Alaska’s minimum wage will rise to $14.00 per hour on July 1, 2026, following its Ballot Measure 1 formula from the prior $13.00 level effective mid-2025. Florida is on track to reach $15.00 per hour on September 30, 2026, completing the 2020 constitutional amendment’s phased increase from $14.00 last year.
Michigan currently stands at $13.73 per hour after its January 1, 2026 adjustment and is scheduled to hit $15.00 in 2027 before shifting to inflation indexing. Missouri and Nebraska both reached $15.00 per hour on January 1, 2026 and Missouri wrapping up its voter initiative from $13.75, and Nebraska advancing its ballot measure from $13.50, with future CPI adjustments planned.
