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.
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.
. 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? 
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. 
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 
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 
. 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 
?
. 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'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 
.
i mean, who's in charge of making sure everyone gets a fair shot? 
. 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 
.
I mean, I guess it's good that something's being done but it feels like we're just scratching the surface here... 
. 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 
. maybe we need more than just a pay boost to tackle this affordability crisis...
...the point is we're taking steps in the right direction. Plus, it's a start, you know? 