Overview
- Effective Jan. 1, 2026, 19 states implemented higher minimum wages, with additional increases set later in 2026 in Alaska, Florida, and Oregon.
- New York’s rate is now $17 in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester and $16 elsewhere, marking the final planned bump before CPI-linked adjustments begin in 2027 with a freeze provision.
- New Jersey’s minimum wage rose to $15.92 for most workers, with separate scales for tipped, agricultural, and small or seasonal employers.
- Ohio’s minimum wage increased to $11 for non-tipped workers and $5.50 for tipped workers, with the state’s inflation indexing in place since a 2006 voter-approved amendment and a $405,000 employer receipts threshold.
- Select new state and local rates include Washington at $17.13, California at $16.90, Arizona at $15.15, Colorado at $15.16, and Portland, Maine at $16.75 as the city begins a voter-approved path to $19 by 2028, while debate continues over pay gains versus possible hiring impacts.