19 states to raise minimum wage in 2026, except Utah
As of January 1, 2026, 19 states across the U.S. are scheduled to increase their minimum wage, reflecting a mix of legislative phase-ins and automatic cost-of-living adjustments. For the first time, this wave of increases will result in more states having a minimum wage at or above $15 per hour than those remaining at the federal floor of $7.25. Key updates include Hawaii, which will see a significant jump to $16, and Missouri and Nebraska, both of which will hit the $15 mark. Other states, such as California, New York, and Washington, will continue to edge higher through inflation-indexed adjustments, further widening the pay gap between states with progressive wage laws and those still adhering to the stagnant federal minimum.
