As January 1, 2026, dawned, a minimum wage hike took effect across 19 states in the United States. This change is set to benefit approximately 8.3 million workers, according to estimates from the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), as reported by Telemundo 51.
The wage increase applies to standard wage earners and, in several states, to tipped employees as well. However, Florida is notably absent from the list of states that enacted adjustments at the start of the year.
Washington Sets a New Benchmark by Exceeding $17 per Hour
With these recent changes, Washington has become the first state in the nation to surpass the $17 hourly mark, raising its minimum wage from $16.66 to $17.13. In certain cities, the minimum income will be even higher:
Seattle: $21.30 per hour
Tukwila: $21.65 per hour
Additionally, the EPI highlights that 47 cities and counties have also implemented further local wage increases.
States Implementing Minimum Wage Increases
The following 19 states have implemented wage increases starting in January 2026:
- Arizona: from $14.70 to $15.15 (tipped: $12.15)
- California: from $16.50 to $16.90
- Colorado: from $14.81 to $15.16 (tipped: $12.14)
- Connecticut: from $16.35 to $16.94
- Hawaii: from $14 to $16 (tipped: $14.75)
- Maine: from $14.65 to $15.10 (tipped: $7.55)
- Michigan: from $12.48 to $13.73 (tipped: $5.49)
- Minnesota: from $11.13 to $11.41
- Missouri: from $13.75 to $15 (tipped: $7.50)
- Montana: from $10.55 to $10.85
- Nebraska: from $13.50 to $15
- New Jersey: from $15.49 to $15.92 (tipped: $6.05)
- New York:
- NYC, Long Island, and Westchester: from $16.50 to $17
- Rest of the state: from $15.50 to $16
- Ohio: from $10.70 to $11 (tipped: $5.50)
- Rhode Island: from $15 to $16
- South Dakota: from $11.50 to $11.85 (tipped: $5.93)
- Vermont: from $14.01 to $14.42 (tipped: $7.21)
- Virginia: from $12.41 to $12.77
- Washington: from $16.66 to $17.13
Florida Remains Unchanged in January
Despite the trend sweeping across much of the country, Florida is not part of the list, leaving its minimum wage unchanged at the beginning of 2026. This situation stands in stark contrast to the national trend and the rising cost of living in the state.
The issue reignites the debate over wage disparities among states, particularly in areas where inflation and housing expenses continue to rise.
Impact and Questions about Minimum Wage Adjustments
Why is Florida not included in the minimum wage increase?
Florida did not enact any adjustments to its minimum wage at the beginning of 2026, despite the trend across many states to increase wages. This decision may be influenced by various economic and political factors within the state.
Which state has the highest minimum wage after the increase?
Washington has the highest minimum wage following the increase, exceeding $17 per hour. In some cities within the state, the minimum wage is even higher, such as Seattle and Tukwila.