Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Minimum Wages Rise in 19 States and 49 Localities on Jan. 1, 2026

The increases stem from multi-year statutes plus inflation indexing, outpacing the unchanged $7.25 federal floor.

Overview

  • New York’s minimum wage moves to $17.00 in New York City, Long Island and Westchester and $16.00 elsewhere, with weekly exemption thresholds rising to $1,275.00 and $1,199.10 respectively.
  • California raises its statewide minimum to $16.90 and lifts the exempt-salary floor to $70,304, as many cities and counties maintain higher local rates.
  • New Jersey’s rate increases to $15.92 for most workers, with a $6.05 minimum cash wage for tipped employees and separate schedules for small, seasonal and agricultural employers.
  • Michigan’s minimum wage climbs to $13.73 on Jan. 1 under SB 8 and is scheduled to hit $15.00 on Jan. 1, 2027, with future adjustments tied to inflation.
  • Other updates include Connecticut at $16.94, Illinois holding at $15 statewide as Chicago’s CPI-linked rate remains higher, and Minnesota’s statewide rate rising to $11.41, prompting employer payroll and notice updates.