Laws by State
Labor Laws by State 2026
Standard Wage
$8
$10
$12
$14
$16
$18
$20
State | Standard Wage 2026↓ | Min Wage Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Washington | $20.74 | |
 | District of Columbia | $17.95 | |
 | New York | $17 | $15.00 in Long Island, Westchester, & NYC |
 | Connecticut | $16.94 | |
 | California | $16.90 | |
 | Hawaii | $16 | |
 | Rhode Island | $16 | |
 | New Jersey | $15.92 | $12.93 for seasonal or < 6 employees |
 | Colorado | $15.16 | |
 | Arizona | $15.15 | |
 | Maine | $15.10 | |
 | Delaware | $15 | |
 | Florida | $15 | |
 | Illinois | $15 | |
 | Maryland | $15 | |
 | Massachusetts | $15 | |
 | Missouri | $15 | |
 | Nebraska | $15 | |
 | Oregon | $14.70 | |
 | Vermont | $14.42 | |
 | Alaska | $14 | |
 | Michigan | $13.73 | |
 | Virginia | $12.77 | |
 | Nevada | $12 | $9.50 if business offers health insurance |
 | New Mexico | $12 | |
 | South Dakota | $11.85 | |
 | Minnesota | $11.41 | $8.63 for small employers |
 | Arkansas | $11 | |
 | Ohio | $11 | $7.25 if business' gross receipts < $372,000 |
 | Montana | $10.85 | $4.00 for businesses w/ sales under $110,000 |
 | West Virginia | $8.75 | |
 | Alabama | $7.25 | Uses Federal min. wage |
 | Georgia | $7.25 | |
 | Idaho | $7.25 | |
 | Indiana | $7.25 | |
 | Iowa | $7.25 | |
 | Kansas | $7.25 | |
 | Kentucky | $7.25 | |
 | Louisiana | $7.25 | |
 | Mississippi | $7.25 | |
 | New Hampshire | $7.25 | |
 | North Carolina | $7.25 | |
 | North Dakota | $7.25 | |
 | Oklahoma | $7.25 | |
 | Pennsylvania | $7.25 | |
 | South Carolina | $7.25 | Uses Federal min. wage |
 | Tennessee | $7.25 | Uses Federal min. wage |
 | Texas | $7.25 | |
 | Utah | $7.25 | |
 | Wisconsin | $7.25 | |
 | Wyoming | $7.25 | |
 | United States | $11.59 |
- States with no minimum wage displayed have no state minimum wage law and follow the Federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
State minimum wage regulations are pivotal in ensuring equitable compensation for workers nationwide. While the federal minimum wage serves as a baseline, individual states have implemented their own guidelines tailored to their unique economic landscapes and labor needs. These regulations encompass various facets of employment, including hourly rates, overtime provisions, and policies on paid leave.
At the heart of state labor legislation lie the regulations governing minimum wage standards. Crafted and enforced primarily at the state level, these laws undergo continual refinement by state legislatures or designated labor departments. This decentralized approach allows for nuanced adjustments that cater to the specific needs and conditions of each state’s workforce.
Some states stand out for their robust minimum wage laws, ensuring fair compensation and additional benefits for workers. For instance, Washington and California boast some of the highest minimum wage rates in the country, accompanied by provisions for paid leave and other worker protections. Conversely, states such as Georgia and Idaho have lower minimum wage rates, highlighting disparities in wage standards across different regions.
