Minimum Wage by State in 2026
By SalaryFor.com – real salaries for all professions
Minimum wage laws continue to shift across the country as states respond to inflation, labor shortages, and new cost‑of‑living realities. Whether you’re evaluating a job offer, relocating, or simply keeping your financial planning sharp, knowing your state’s minimum wage is essential.
Below is the complete 2026 minimum wage list by state.
2026 Minimum Wage by State (Updated List)
Alabama – $7.25 Alaska – $11.73 Arizona – $14.35 Arkansas – $11.00 California – $16.00 Colorado – $14.42 Connecticut – $15.69 Delaware – $13.25 Florida – $13.00 Georgia – $7.25 Hawaii – $14.00 Idaho – $7.25 Illinois – $14.00 Indiana – $7.25 Iowa – $7.25 Kansas – $7.25 Kentucky – $7.25 Louisiana – $7.25 Maine – $14.15 Maryland – $15.00 Massachusetts – $15.00 Michigan – $10.33 Minnesota – $10.85 (large employers), $8.85 (small employers) Mississippi – $7.25 Missouri – $12.30 Montana – $10.30 Nebraska – $12.00 Nevada – $12.00 New Hampshire – $7.25 New Jersey – $15.13 New Mexico – $12.00 New York – $16.00 (NYC, Long Island, Westchester), $15.00 (rest of state) North Carolina – $7.25 North Dakota – $7.25 Ohio – $10.45 Oklahoma – $7.25 Oregon – $14.20 Pennsylvania – $7.25 Rhode Island – $14.00 South Carolina – $7.25 South Dakota – $11.40 Tennessee – $7.25 Texas – $7.25 Utah – $7.25 Vermont – $13.67 Virginia – $12.00 Washington – $16.28 West Virginia – $8.75 Wisconsin – $7.25 Wyoming – $7.25
Why Minimum Wage Differences Matter More in 2026
Minimum wage gaps between states are now influencing:
- Relocation decisions for workers seeking higher pay
- Employer hiring strategies in border regions
- Cost‑of‑living calculations for families
- Remote‑work negotiations, especially when companies adjust pay based on employee location
States with higher minimum wages often see stronger competition for entry‑level talent, while lower‑wage states may attract employers seeking reduced labor costs.
How Workers Can Use This Information
- Compare job offers across states or cities
- Plan moves based on wage floors and cost‑of‑living
- Negotiate pay using state‑level wage benchmarks
- Understand local labor market trends that affect hiring and turnover
If you’re evaluating a job change, a relocation, or simply trying to understand your earning power, this list gives you a clear starting point.
Related Reading
- Unemployment Benefits by State: What Workers Can Expect in 2026
- Signs You Are Being Underpaid
- The Hidden Economics of Employee Turnover
- Salary Research & Compensation — 2026 Edition
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In: Job Search Advice · Tagged with: minimum wage
