Overview
- More than 8.3 million workers are set to receive raises on Jan. 1, including both direct increases and ripple effects, according to Economic Policy Institute estimates.
- For the first time, more workers will be in states with $15-plus wage floors than in places governed by the $7.25 federal minimum.
- Missouri and Nebraska will newly reach $15 an hour on Jan. 1.
- By year’s end, some minimums reach $17 or higher, including Washington state at $17.33, New York City/Long Island/Westchester at $17, and New Jersey’s long-term care sector at $18.92.
- Florida, Alaska, and Oregon have increases scheduled later in 2026, while 20 states still rely on the federal $7.25 floor and many restrict local wage hikes through preemption laws.