Ranking
Highest minimum wage states
The top 15 as of September 2, 2026.
- The highest state minimum wage is $18.40 in District of Columbia.
- 18 states are at or above $15 an hour.
- The highest local rate anywhere is $25.00 in Los Angeles (city) - Citywide Hotel Worker Minimum Wage, CA.
District of Columbia$18.40since July 1, 2026Washington$17.13since January 1, 2026Connecticut$16.94since January 1, 2026↑ $17.48 on January 1, 2027California$16.90since January 1, 2026Hawaii$16.00since January 1, 2026↑ $18.00 on January 1, 2028New York$16.00since January 1, 2026Rhode Island$16.00since January 1, 2026↑ $17.00 on January 1, 2027New Jersey$15.92since January 1, 2026Oregon$15.55since July 1, 2026Colorado$15.16since January 1, 2026Arizona$15.15since January 1, 2026Maine$15.10since January 1, 2026Delaware$15.00since January 1, 2025Illinois$15.00since January 1, 2025Maryland$15.00since January 1, 2024
Rates shown are the state rate for the general workforce; several of these states also have higher city rates, listed on each state page.