In the United States, wage changes often arrive at the start of a new year. As January 2026 approaches, many workers are expected to see updated pay rates based on the state laws. The USA Minimum Wage Increase From Jan 2026 is not a single nationwide decision but its state level changes that are in effect from 1st January 2026. In the US, Federal minimum wage and State Minimum Wage laws are followed. In 2026, the Federal minimum wage remains the same at $7.25 per hour.
USA Minimum Wage Increase From Jan 2026
The USA Minimum Wage Increase From Jan 2026 is the result of policies that were approved before 2026. Many states created multi year wage plans that raise hourly pay step by step until a certain level is reached. Other states adopted formulas that adjust wages each year based on inflation. Because of this, many states have increased their minimum wage pay rates that take effect from 1st January 2026.
US Minimum Wage Pay Rates January 2026 – Overview
| Post Title | USA Minimum Wage Increase From Jan 2026 |
| Year | 2026 |
| Month | January |
| Country | United States |
| Federal Wage Rate | $7.25 Per Hour |
| Wage Authority | State and Local Governments |
| Adjustment | Fixed schedule or inflation based |
| Effective Date | 1st January 2026 |
| Applies To | Eligible Hourly Workers |
| Post Category | US Finance |
| Official Web Page | https://www.dol.gov/ |
US State Wise Minimum Hourly Wage Rates 2026
| U.S. States | 2026 Minimum Wage Rate | Raise | Effective From |
| Alabama | $7.25 | NA | Since 2009 |
| Alaska | $14.00 | $1.00 | 1st Jul 2026 |
| Arizona | $15.15 | $0.45 | 1st Jan 2026 |
| Arkansas | $11.00 | NA | 1st Jan 2021 |
| California | $16.90 | $0.40 | 1st Jan 2026 |
| Colorado | $15.16 | $0.35 | 1st Jan 2026 |
| Connecticut | $16.94 | $0.59 | 1st Jan 2026 |
| Delware | TBA | – | Currently in Effect |
| District of Columbia | TBA | – | Next Change on 1st Jul 2026 |
| Florida | $15.00 | $1.00 | 30th Sept 2026 |
| Georgia | $7.25 | NA | Since 2009 |
| Hawaii | $16.00 | $2.00 | 1st Jan 2026 |
| Idaho | $7.25 | NA | Since 2009 |
| Illinois | $15.00 | NA | 1st Jan 2026 |
| Indiana | $7.25 | NA | Since 2009 |
| Iowa | $7.25 | NA | Since 2009 |
| Kansas | $7.25 | NA | Since 2009 |
| Kentucky | $7.25 | NA | Since 2009 |
| Louisiana | $7.25 | NA | Since 2009 |
| Maine | $15.10 | $0.45 | 1st Jan 2026 |
| Maryland | $15.00 | NA | 1st Jan 2026 |
| Massachusetts | $15.00 | NA | 1st Jan 2026 |
| Michigan | $13.73 | $1.25 | 1st Jan 2026 |
| Minnesota | $11.41 | $0.28 | 1st Jan 2026 |
| Mississippi | $7.25 | NA | Since 2009 |
| Missouri | $15.00 | $1.25 | 1st Jan 2026 |
| Montana | $10.85 | $0.30 | 1st Jan 2026 |
| Nebraska | $15.00 | $1.50 | 1st Jan 2026 |
| Nevada | TBD | – | Next Increase in Jul 2026 |
| New Hempshire | $7.25 | NA | Since 2009 |
| New Jersey | $15.92 | $0.43 | 1st Jan 2026 |
| New Mexico | $12.00 | NA | 1st Jan 2023 |
| New York | $16.00 & $17.00 | $0.50 | 1st Jan 2026 |
| North Carolina | $7.25 | NA | Since 2009 |
| North Dakota | $7.25 | NA | Since 2009 |
| Ohio | $11.00 | $0.30 | 1st Jan 2026 |
| Oklahoma | $7.25 | NA | Since 2009 |
| Oregon | TBD | – | Next Raise in July 2026 |
| Pennsylvania | $7.25 | NA | Since 2009 |
| Rhode Island | $16.00 | $1.00 | 1st Jan 2026 |
| South Carolina | $7.25 | NA | Since 2009 |
| South Dakota | $11.85 | $0.35 | 1st Jan 2026 |
| Tennessee | $7.25 | NA | Since 2009 |
| Utah | $7.25 | NA | Since 2009 |
| Vermont | $14.42 | $0.41 | 1st Jan 2026 |
| Virginia | $12.77 | $0.36 | 1st Jan 2026 |
| Washington | $17.13 | $0.47 | 1st Jan 2026 |
| Wisconsin | $7.25 | NA | Since 2009 |
| Wyoming | $7.25 | NA | Since 2009 |
FAQs
Will everyone in the US get a wage increase in January 2026?
No, only workers in states or cities that schedule increases will see higher wages in Jan 2026.
Does the US Federal Minimum Wage Pay change in January 2026?
No, there is no scheduled federal minimum wage pay increase in January 2026.
Will US City Minimum Wage Rates be higher than state wages in 2026?
Yes, many cities in the US have a higher local wage rate than the state minimum wage pay in 2026.
How do US States decide the new Minimum Wage Pay Rate 2026?
Some US States use fixed schedules to decide the new minimum wage pay rates and some states rely on inflation calculations to decide the new Minimum Wage Pay Rate of 2026.
