Workers across the U.S. are set for minimum wage increases in 2026. Here's where.

US Workers to Get Pay Boosts in 2026 as Minimum Wage Rises Across States and Cities

In a move aimed at tackling the growing affordability crisis, millions of US workers are set to receive pay boosts next year as minimum wage regulations take effect across 22 states and 66 cities and counties. The increases will bring the total number of jurisdictions with higher minimum wages to 68.

Starting January 1, 2026, low-wage earners in 60 jurisdictions will earn at least $15 an hour, while workers in three states and 40 localities will see their minimum wage rise to or exceed $17 per hour. For instance, long-term care workers in New Jersey will receive a pay boost of $18.92 an hour, while New York City, Long Island, and Westchester will all increase their baseline pay to $17 per hour.

The increases are driven by cost-of-living adjustments, aimed at helping workers' pay keep pace with inflation. In 13 states and 44 cities and counties, these raises are indexed to inflation, matching the rising cost of living. The Fight for $15, a national movement for better pay and working conditions, has been instrumental in driving some of these increases.

However, not all US workers will benefit from the wage hikes. Many localities continue to have a minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, including several southern states. This raises questions about the contrast between states that are raising wages every year and those that remain stuck at this lower level.

"It's jarring to see the difference between those who are getting higher wages and those who are still earning poverty-level wages," said Tsedeye Gebreselassie, a researcher with the National Employment Law Project. "We need to make sure we're not losing sight of the fact that workers' wages need to go up."

The Fair Labor Standards Act sets the federal wage floor at $7.25 per hour, where it has remained since 2009. As the cost of living continues to rise, some states and municipalities have chosen to boost their own minimum wages through a combination of ballot measures, inflation adjustments, and legislation.

For low-income households grappling with an affordability crisis, these increases may provide much-needed relief. However, experts caution that more needs to be done to address the root causes of this issue.

I'm all about how this is gonna affect those living paycheck to paycheck . With 22 states and 66 cities on board for a $15/hour minimum wage, I think we're seeing some major progress. However, it's wild that some places are still stuck at $7.25. Like, what's the point of even having a minimum wage if it's not gonna keep up with inflation?

I also don't get why there's a difference between states and cities. Can't we just have a national standard or something? It's jarring to see some people making six figures while others are struggling to make ends meet. And I'm all for the Fight for $15 movement, but we need more than just wage hikes – we need to address the root issues of affordability and poverty.

the fact that 13 states and 44 cities are indexing their min wage to inflation is a good start but we gotta ask ourselves, why is it taking us so long for all of these states & cities to catch up? i mean, $7.25 an hour hasn't kept pace with inflation in years its like we're expecting people to just magically get by on that amount. the fight for $15 has been a great movement, but its not a replacement for systemic change

Ugh, remember when we used to have summers where you could buy a decent ice cream for like 50 cents? Now it's all about the $15 minimum wage and I'm just over here like "what happened to affordable living?" My grandma was always saying that back in her day, people worked hard but they didn't expect to be paid an arm and a leg for doing their job. And now we're at this point where some cities are even paying $17 an hour? It's just not right. I feel like it's all about the money and nobody cares about the little guy anymore

Ugh, so now they're gonna make everyone else suffer while some lucky ones in NJ get paid $18.92/hour . Like, what's the point of making a bunch of states and cities raise their min wage if it just means more inequality? We need to do better than that . And 13 states with inflation-indexed raises are still stuck at matching the cost of living... how about they all just match for once ?

I mean, it's about time someone did something about those rock bottom wages in the US . I'm all for raising the minimum wage, but $7.25 an hour is straight-up laughable for anyone having to live on that. It's like they're not even trying to keep up with inflation anymore .

I've been saying it for years, and now the Fight for $15 movement has some actual traction . I'm stoked to see more states and cities taking action, but at the same time, it's pretty jarring to see those stuck in poverty-level wages . What's going on with all these southern states? Are they just too busy being "Southern hospitality" or something?

Anyway, these pay boosts are a good start, but like Tsedeye said, we need to keep pushing for more . And let's be real, it's not just about the minimum wage – there are so many other factors that contribute to poverty and income inequality . We gotta tackle the whole system, not just one tiny piece of it .

omg, i'm so down for this ! $15/hour is like, a total game changer for low-wage workers. it's about time someone did something about the affordability crisis in the us. but seriously, 60 jurisdictions with higher min wage? that's still super unfair to those stuck at $7.25/hour i mean, who's in charge of making sure everyone gets a fair shot?

The good news is that millions of US workers are about to see a pay boost next year as minimum wage regulations kick in across more states and cities . It's great to see some progress on addressing the affordability crisis, especially for low-income households who've been struggling . However, it does seem a bit jarring to see such a huge disparity between those getting higher wages and those still earning poverty-level wages . We need more than just a minimum wage increase to tackle this issue - we need systemic changes that address the root causes of affordability crises .

The 15$ an hour thing is gonna help some peeps but what about all the other states and cities still stuck at 7.25? It's like, why can't everyone get a fair wage?! I mean, I guess it's good that something's being done but it feels like we're just scratching the surface here...

omg can you believe the US is finally doing something about the crazy high cost of living and people are actually getting a pay boost $15 an hour is like, totally worth it for all those low-wage workers struggling to make ends meet . I'm loving how some states and cities are taking matters into their own hands with inflation-adjusted wages it's about time we start seeing more equality in the workplace . And btw, long-term care workers in NJ getting $18.92 an hour is like, whoa that's insane!

I'm not sure why they're getting all excited about a pay boost . It's only $15 or $17 an hour, which is still super low considering how expensive living in the US has become lately . I mean, have you seen the prices of housing and food lately? You'd think they'd be doing more to help people out. And don't even get me started on those states that are still stuck at $7.25 an hour . It's just not fair to those folks who are already struggling to make ends meet. We need some real solutions, not just a few Band-Aid increases every year .

i agree that the pay boosts are a good start but i'm not sure if 15 bucks an hour is enough for people to make ends meet in some areas . i mean, we've got cities like NYC where the cost of living is already super high and now people are gonna have to deal with that on top of just getting by . and what about all those places that still haven't raised their minimum wage? it's jarring to see that difference . maybe we need more than just a pay boost to tackle this affordability crisis...

The thing is ...I know some ppl might think it's just about throwing more money at the problem, but I'm like, what if we're actually making a difference here? These pay boosts could make a huge impact on people's lives, especially those living paycheck to paycheck. And yeah, I get that not everyone will benefit from it (like those stuck at $7.25/hour), but that's not the point ...the point is we're taking steps in the right direction. Plus, it's a start, you know? 68 jurisdictions already have higher min wage rates, and more are following suit. It's like, progress