Several states across the country will update their minimum wage requirements in 2026, helping hourly workers keep up with inflation in the coming years.
Starting Jan. 1, thousands of workers will earn a few cents more per hour at a time when prices for basic necessities, including groceries, continue to rise. Grocery prices increased 0.3% from August to September, according to the latest Consumer Price Index figures, and September grocery costs were 2.7% higher than the year before.
Prices in September were also 1.4% higher than they were in January, before President Donald Trump took office. To address inflation, Trump has suggested sending citizens a $2,000 stimulus check funded by tariff revenue, but the idea remains far from becoming reality. Economists attribute rising prices to tariffs, though many note the real impact of tariffs will not be felt right away. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said in a press conference that tariff-induced inflation “will take a long time to become clear.”
Hourly workers in 19 states across the U.S. will hopefully be better positioned to manage rising costs with upcoming minimum wage increases. Here’s the breakdown of states raising their minimum pay requirements.
Minimum Wage increases for 2026
Arizona
Arizona’s 2026 minimum wage will be $15.15, a 45-cent increase from the 2025 rate of $14.70.
California
California’s minimum wage will rise to $16.90 in 2026, which is 40 cents more than the 2025 wage of $16.50.
Colorado
Colorado is increasing its minimum wage to $15.16 in 2026. The 2025 wage was $14.81, so the increase totals 35 cents.
Connecticut
Connecticut will raise its minimum wage to $16.94, up from $16.35 in 2025 — a 59-cent increase.
Hawaii
Hawaii’s minimum wage will reach $16, which is $2 more than the 2025 wage of $14.
The state approved a plan in 2024 to raise wages by $2 every two years: it increased to $14 in 2024, will rise to $16 in 2026, and will reach $18 in 2028.
Maine
Maine will increase its minimum wage to $15.10, a 45-cent jump from the 2025 rate of $14.65.
Portland, the state’s largest city, has its own minimum wage of $15.50.
Michigan
Michigan’s minimum wage will rise to $13.73, up from $12.48 — a $1.25 increase for hourly workers.
Minnesota
Minnesota will increase its minimum wage to $11.41, a 28-cent bump from the 2025 wage of $11.13.
Missouri
Missouri’s minimum wage will rise by $1.25, reaching $15 in 2026 compared to $13.75 in 2025.
Montana
Montana’s 2026 minimum wage will be $10.85, a 30-cent increase from the 2025 rate of $10.55.
Nebraska
Nebraska will increase its minimum wage to $15, which is $1.50 more than the 2025 wage of $13.50.
New Jersey
New Jersey’s minimum wage will rise by 30 cents. It will reach $15.92 in 2026, up from $15.49 in 2025.
New York
New York State is raising its minimum wage to $16 per hour, a 50-cent increase from the 2025 wage of $15.50.
New York City and Long Island have their own minimum wage of $16.50.
Ohio
Ohio’s minimum wage will be $11 per hour in 2026, representing a 30-cent increase from the 2025 rate of $10.70.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island will increase its minimum wage by $1, bringing it to $16 in 2026, up from $15 in 2025.
South Dakota
South Dakota’s minimum wage will rise to $11.85, which is 35 cents more than the 2025 wage of $11.50.