Minimum Wage by State
The minimum wage is the lowest hourly rate an employer may legally pay a covered worker. The federal Fair Labor Standards Act sets a national floor, and each state can set its own rate. When the federal and state rates differ, a covered worker is generally entitled to whichever rate is higher. Some states adopt the federal rate, some set a higher rate, and a few have no state minimum wage law at all.
50 states and DC compared. Last checked .
At a glance
- Minimum wage (per hour): range
- $7.25 to $18.4
- Across the 51 jurisdictions with a single statewide figure.
- Tipped cash wage (per hour): range
- $2.13 to $17.13
- Across the 51 jurisdictions with a single statewide figure.
Compare minimum wage laws
Many state laws also address tipped workers, who may be paid a lower cash wage if tips bring their total pay up to the full minimum. Others require the full minimum wage before tips. This guide compares the statewide rate in effect in 2026, the tipped cash wage, and any increase already scheduled by statute or inflation adjustment. City and county minimum wages can be higher.
51 of 51 shown
| Next scheduled increase | Sources | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALAlabama | $7.25 (federal rate, no state law) | $2.13 (federal rate) | None scheduledNo state minimum wage law; any change would follow the federal rate. | |
| AKAlaska | $14.00 | $14.00 (no tip credit) | $15.00 on July 1, 2027After 2027 the rate is adjusted each year using the Anchorage area Consumer Price Index. | |
| AZArizona | $15.15 | $12.15 | Inflation adjustment on January 1, 2027The rate rises each January 1 by the CPI increase, rounded to the nearest five cents. | |
| ARArkansas | $11.00 | $2.63 | None scheduledNo further increase is written into the statute. | |
| CACalifornia | $16.90 | $16.90 (no tip credit) | $17.40 on January 1, 2027Set by the yearly inflation adjustment (CPI-W, capped at 3.5 percent, rounded to 10 cents) under Labor Code 1182.12. | |
| COColorado | $15.16 | $12.14 | $15.71 in 2027The tipped cash wage rises to $12.69. Announced by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment on August 13, 2026. | |
| CTConnecticut | $16.94 | $6.38 (bartenders $8.23) | $17.48 on January 1, 2027Annual adjustment based on the employment cost index, which rose 3.2 percent in the 12 months ending June 30, 2026. | |
| DEDelaware | $15.00 | $2.23 | None scheduledNo further increase is written into the statute. | |
| DCDistrict of Columbia | $18.40 | $10.30 | Inflation adjustment on July 1, 2027The tipped cash wage rises to 60 percent of the minimum wage on July 1, 2028 and 65 percent on July 1, 2030. | |
| FLFlorida | $15.00 | $11.98 | Inflation adjustment on January 1, 2028The adjusted rate is calculated on September 30, 2027 and each September 30 after, and takes effect the following January 1. | |
| GAGeorgia | $7.25 (federal rate; state rate $5.15) | $2.13 (federal rate) | None scheduled | |
| HIHawaii | $16.00 | $14.75 | $18.00 on January 1, 2028The tip credit also rises to $1.50 on January 1, 2028. | |
| IDIdaho | $7.25 | $3.35 | None scheduledThe state rate tracks the federal minimum wage. | |
| ILIllinois | $15.00 | $9.00 | None scheduledNo further increase is written into the statute. | |
| INIndiana | $7.25 | $2.13 | None scheduledThe state rate follows the federal minimum wage. | |
| IAIowa | $7.25 | $4.35 | None scheduledNo further increase is written into the statute. | |
| KSKansas | $7.25 | $2.13 | None scheduledNo further increase is written into the statute. | |
| KYKentucky | $7.25 | $2.13 | None scheduledThe state rate changes only if the federal minimum wage increases or the legislature acts. | |
| LALouisiana | $7.25 (federal rate, no state law) | $2.13 (federal rate) | None scheduledNo state minimum wage law; any change would follow the federal rate. | |
| MEMaine | $15.10 | $7.55 | Inflation adjustment on January 1, 2027Set by the change in the Northeast CPI-W from August to August, rounded to the nearest 5 cents. | |
| MDMaryland | $15.00 | $3.63 | None scheduledThe statute sets no increase after the $15.00 rate that took effect January 1, 2024. | |
| MAMassachusetts | $15.00 | $6.75 | None scheduledNo further increase is written into the statute. | |
| MIMichigan | $13.73 | $5.49 | $15.00 on January 1, 2027Inflation adjustments start in 2028, skipped if state unemployment is 8.5 percent or higher. Tipped share rises to 42 percent in 2027. | |
| MNMinnesota | $11.41 | $11.41 (no tip credit) | $11.87 on January 1, 2027Adjusted every January 1 for inflation, capped at 5 percent a year. | |
| MSMississippi | $7.25 (federal rate, no state law) | $2.13 (federal rate) | None scheduledNo state minimum wage law; any change would follow the federal rate. | |
| MOMissouri | $15.00 | $7.50 | None scheduled2025 legislation (HB 567) removed the annual inflation increases that Proposition A had set to start after 2026. | |
| MTMontana | $10.85 | $10.85 (no tip credit) | $11.20 on January 1, 2027Adjusted each January 1 by the national CPI-U, rounded to the nearest 5 cents. | |
| NENebraska | $15.00 | $2.13 | 1.75 percent increase on January 1, 2027Then 1.75 percent every January 1. The Department of Labor must publish each new rate by October 15; the 2027 amount was not confirmed. | |
| NVNevada | $12.00 | $12.00 (no tip credit) | None scheduledThe rate rises only if the federal minimum exceeds $12.00 or the Legislature sets a higher rate by law. | |
| NHNew Hampshire | $7.25 | $3.27 | None scheduledThe rate changes only if the federal minimum wage changes. | |
| NJNew Jersey | $15.92 | $6.05 | $16.48 on January 1, 2027Adjusted each January 1 for inflation (CPI-W). Small and seasonal employers follow a separate schedule. | |
| NMNew Mexico | $12.00 | $3.00 | None scheduledThe statute sets no increase after January 1, 2023. | |
| NYNew York | $17.00 NYC area; $16.00 rest of state | $11.35 NYC area; $10.70 rest of state | No increase on January 1, 2027Indexing to inflation starts in 2027, but the state labor department says an off-ramp condition was met, so there is no 2027 inflation increase. | |
| NCNorth Carolina | $7.25 | $2.13 | None scheduledThe rate changes only if the federal minimum wage changes. | |
| NDNorth Dakota | $7.25 | $4.86 | None scheduledThe statute has set $7.25 since July 24, 2009, with no automatic adjustment. | |
| OHOhio | $11.00 | $5.50 | $11.40 on January 1, 2027The tipped cash wage rises to $5.70. Adjusted every January 1 for inflation under the Ohio Constitution. | |
| OKOklahoma | $7.25 | $2.13 | None scheduledFollows any change to the federal minimum wage. | |
| OROregon | $15.55 (standard) | $15.55 (no tip credit) | Inflation adjustment on July 1, 2027Adjusted each July 1 based on the CPI-U change, rounded to the nearest five cents. | |
| PAPennsylvania | $7.25 | $2.83 | None scheduledNo increase is set in current law. | |
| RIRhode Island | $16.00 | $3.89 | $17.00 on January 1, 2027Set by 2025 amendments (P.L. 2025, ch. 222 and 223). | |
| SCSouth Carolina | $7.25 (federal rate, no state law) | $2.13 (federal rate) | None scheduledNo state minimum wage law; any change would follow the federal rate. | |
| SDSouth Dakota | $11.85 | $5.925 | $12.30 on January 1, 2027The tipped cash wage rises to $6.15. Adjusted every January 1 by the change in the CPI-U, and never decreased. | |
| TNTennessee | $7.25 (federal rate, no state law) | $2.13 (federal rate) | None scheduledNo state minimum wage law; any change would follow the federal rate. | |
| TXTexas | $7.25 | $2.13 | None scheduledFollows any change to the federal minimum wage. | |
| UTUtah | $7.25 | $2.13 | None scheduledThe Labor Commission reviews the rate but may not set it above the federal minimum. | |
| VTVermont | $14.42 | $7.21 | Inflation adjustment on January 1, 2027Capped at the lesser of CPI or 5 percent. The 2027 amount was not shown on the state labor department page when checked. | |
| VAVirginia | $12.77 | $2.13 | $13.75 on January 1, 2027Then $15.00 on January 1, 2028; from January 1, 2029, adjusted each year for CPI-U inflation. | |
| WAWashington | $17.13 | $17.13 (no tip credit) | $17.73 on January 1, 2027Adjusted every January 1 by the CPI-W; the department calculates the new rate each September 30. | |
| WVWest Virginia | $8.75 | $2.62 | None scheduledRises only if the federal minimum wage becomes equal to or greater than $8.75. | |
| WIWisconsin | $7.25 | $2.33 | None scheduledNo increase is set in current law. | |
| WYWyoming | $7.25 (federal rate; state rate $5.15) | $2.13 | None scheduledNo increase is set in current law. |
General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
What this means in practice
Check which rate applies before setting pay. Coverage rules, employer size thresholds, and exemptions for certain jobs or industries differ, and a local ordinance may require more than the state rate. The statute linked on each state page is the starting point.
Where a lower tipped cash wage is allowed, the employer usually must make up the difference whenever tips fall short of the full minimum wage for the pay period. Keeping accurate records of hours worked and tips reported helps show that every pay period met the minimum.
Rates can change on fixed dates, often January 1 or July 1, and some states adjust them each year for inflation. Reviewing pay rates, offer letters, and employment contracts ahead of each scheduled change helps avoid underpayment claims.
Minimum Wage: state by state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently asked questions
What is the federal minimum wage?
The federal minimum wage under the Fair Labor Standards Act is $7.25 per hour, and the federal minimum cash wage for tipped employees is $2.13 per hour, provided tips make up the difference. Covered workers receive the higher of the federal or state rate.
What is a tipped minimum wage?
It is the lowest cash wage an employer may pay a worker who regularly receives tips, by counting part of the tips toward the minimum wage (a tip credit). If tips do not cover the gap, the employer must pay the difference. Some states do not allow a tip credit at all.
Can a city have a higher minimum wage than the state?
In some states, yes. Certain cities and counties set their own higher minimum wage, while other states prevent local governments from doing so. This guide covers the statewide rate only, so check local rules as well.
Why does the minimum wage change every year in some states?
Some state laws tie the minimum wage to an inflation measure such as the Consumer Price Index and adjust it on a set date each year. Others raise it in fixed steps written into the statute, or only when the legislature or voters pass a new law.
Which states have the highest and lowest minimum wage (per hour)?
Among the 51 jurisdictions with a single statewide figure, minimum wage (per hour) ranges from $7.25 (Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa and Kansas and others) to $18.4 (District of Columbia). The most common figure is $7.25 (20 jurisdictions). Check each state's page for exceptions.
Which states have the highest and lowest tipped cash wage (per hour)?
Among the 51 jurisdictions with a single statewide figure, tipped cash wage (per hour) ranges from $2.13 (Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky and Louisiana and others) to $17.13 (Washington). The most common figure is $2.13 (16 jurisdictions). Check each state's page for exceptions.