Minimum wage increases coming January 1, 2027
About 15 states will raise their minimum wage on New Year's Day. Here is where pay is going up and by how much.
Key numbers
- Highest new rate: Washington at $17.73
- New York holds steady at $17 and $16
- Federal minimum stays $7.25
Workers in roughly 15 states will see a higher minimum wage on January 1, 2027. Most of the increases are automatic inflation adjustments, while a few states are following raises already written into law.
| State | 2026 | Jan 1, 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $17.13 | $17.73 |
| Connecticut | $16.94 | $17.48 |
| California | $16.90 | $17.40 |
| Rhode Island | $16.00 | $17.00 |
| New Jersey (most employers) | $15.92 | $16.48 |
| Colorado | $15.16 | $15.71 |
| Maine | $15.10 | $15.70 |
| Arizona | $15.15 | $15.65 |
| Nebraska | $15.00 | $15.26 |
| Michigan | $13.73 | $15.00 |
| Virginia | $12.77 | $13.75 |
| South Dakota | $11.85 | $12.30 |
| Ohio (larger employers) | $11.00 | $11.40 |
| Montana | $10.85 | $11.20 |
| Minnesota | $11.41 | $11.87 |
States with no change
New York keeps its minimum wage at $17 an hour in New York City, Long Island and Westchester, and $16 in the rest of the state. Florida already raised its rate to $15 on September 30, 2026, and its next change comes in January 2028. Illinois stays at $15, while Pennsylvania and Texas remain at the federal minimum of $7.25.
Check local rates
Many cities and counties set higher minimum wages than their state. When rates differ, employers must pay the highest one that applies.
See take-home pay in your state
Sources
- MinimumWageRates.com: Minimum wage increases 2027 (compiled from state announcements)
- U.S. Department of Labor: State minimum wage laws
- California Department of Industrial Relations