Mapped: Which States Are Raising the Minimum Wage in 2026—And Which Will Still Be at $7.25 an Hour

Key Takeaways States Raising the Minimum Wage in 2026 For workers in many states, 2026 will bring a higher minimum wage, though the timing isn't the same everywhere. Most of the states making changes will boost pay beginning New Year's Day, while a smaller group has increases scheduled for later in the year. In total, 19 states are set to raise their minimum wage on January 1, reflecting either scheduled increases or inflation-based adjustments. California stands out for making two changes in 2026, with an ...