If you're looking for the minimum wage by state 2026 complete list, you've come to the right place. As of 2026, the federal minimum wage sits at $7.25 per hour — unchanged since 2009 — but the majority of U.S. states have enacted their own higher rates, often tied to inflation or scheduled legislative increases. This guide covers every state's current rate, what changed for 2026, tipped wage rules, and how to translate an hourly rate into real annual take-home pay.
Whether you're an employee checking your rights, a small business owner staying compliant, or a job seeker comparing offers, this minimum wage by state guide gives you the clearest, most current picture available.
Know your state's minimum wage — now see your actual take-home pay.
Use our free gross-to-net calculator for hourly and salary workers in every U.S. state.
Calculate My SalaryFederal Minimum Wage vs. State Minimum Wage in 2026
The federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour sets the national floor under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Employers must pay whichever rate is higher — federal or state. Because so many states have surpassed the federal floor, over 90% of American workers are covered by a state or local rate above $7.25.
Some key distinctions to understand before diving into the state-by-state data:
- Standard minimum wage — applies to most adult, non-tipped employees.
- Tipped minimum wage — a lower cash wage for workers who regularly receive tips, as long as tips bring total pay to the standard minimum.
- Youth / training wage — some states allow a lower rate for workers under 18 or during a short training period.
- Small business exemption — a handful of states set slightly lower rates for employers under a revenue threshold.
- Local ordinances — cities like Seattle, Denver, and New York City have rates that exceed the state minimum.
2026 Minimum Wage by State: Complete Comparison Table
The table below reflects rates in effect or scheduled as of January 1, 2026. States that defer to the federal rate are marked accordingly. This is the most up-to-date salary data and career compensation guides list for minimum wage available.
| State | Min. Wage (2026) | Tipped Wage | Annual (FT, Gross) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $11.91 | $11.91 (no tip credit) | $24,773 |
| Arizona | $14.70 | $11.70 | $30,576 |
| California | $16.50 | $16.50 (no tip credit) | $34,320 |
| Colorado | $14.81 | $11.79 | $30,805 |
| Connecticut | $16.35 | $8.23–$10.17 | $34,008 |
| Florida | $14.00 | $10.98 | $29,120 |
| Georgia | $7.25 (federal) | $2.13 | $15,080 |
| Illinois | $15.00 | $9.00 | $31,200 |
| Maine | $14.65 | $7.33 | $30,472 |
| Maryland | $15.00 | $3.63 | $31,200 |
| Massachusetts | $15.00 | $6.75 | $31,200 |
| Michigan | $10.56 | $4.01 | $21,965 |
| Minnesota | $11.13 | $11.13 (no tip credit) | $23,150 |
| Missouri | $13.75 | $6.88 | $28,600 |
| Montana | $10.55 | $10.55 (no tip credit) | $21,944 |
| Nevada | $12.00 | $12.00 (no tip credit) | $24,960 |
| New Jersey | $15.49 | $5.26 | $32,219 |
| New York | $16.00 | $13.35 | $33,280 |
| Ohio | $10.45 | $5.25 | $21,736 |
| Oregon | $15.45 | $15.45 (no tip credit) | $32,136 |
| Texas | $7.25 (federal) | $2.13 | $15,080 |
| Vermont | $14.01 | $7.01 | $29,141 |
| Virginia | $12.41 | $2.13 | $25,813 |
| Washington | $16.66 | $16.66 (no tip credit) | $34,653 |
| Wyoming | $7.25 (federal) | $2.13 | $15,080 |
* Annual gross calculated at 40 hrs/week × 52 weeks. Rates reflect scheduled 2026 figures; always verify with your state's Department of Labor.
Best Minimum Wage by State: Highest and Lowest Rates
When comparing the best minimum wage by state, the gap between the top and bottom is striking. Washington State leads at $16.66/hour, while states tied to the federal floor remain at $7.25/hour — a difference of more than $19,000 in annual gross pay for a full-time worker.
Top 5 Highest State Minimum Wages in 2026
- Washington — $16.66/hour ($34,653 annually)
- California — $16.50/hour ($34,320 annually)
- Connecticut — $16.35/hour ($34,008 annually)
- New York — $16.00/hour ($33,280 annually)
- New Jersey — $15.49/hour ($32,219 annually)
States Still at the Federal Minimum ($7.25/hour)
- Alabama, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas
- Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina
- Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Minimum Wage by Tips: How Tipped Worker Rules Vary by State
Understanding minimum wage by tips rules is essential for restaurant, bar, and hospitality workers. At the federal level, employers may pay tipped employees as little as $2.13/hour — called the "tip credit" — as long as tips bring hourly earnings to at least $7.25. If tips fall short, the employer must make up the difference.
However, eight states have eliminated the tip credit entirely, meaning tipped workers receive the full standard minimum wage regardless of tip income:
- Alaska, California, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington
- Washington D.C. (phasing in full elimination by 2027)
For tipped workers in states with a tip credit, always verify your actual hourly average over each pay period. If tips were unusually low, your employer is legally required to bring your hourly rate up to the state standard minimum.
From Minimum Wage to Take-Home Pay: What You Actually Earn
Gross annual pay at minimum wage is only the starting point. After federal income tax, FICA (Social Security + Medicare at 7.65%), and state income tax, your actual take-home pay will be meaningfully lower. Here are real-world examples using our gross salary to net pay calculator:
Example: $16.50/hr in California (Single Filer, No Dependents)
- Gross annual salary: $34,320
- Federal income tax (est.): ~$1,948
- FICA (7.65%): ~$2,625
- California state income tax (est.): ~$600
- Estimated take-home: ~$29,147/year (~$1,120 biweekly)
Example: $7.25/hr in Texas (No State Income Tax)
- Gross annual salary: $15,080
- Federal income tax (est.): ~$0 (below standard deduction)
- FICA (7.65%): ~$1,154
- State income tax: $0
- Estimated take-home: ~$13,926/year (~$535 biweekly)
Get your exact take-home pay in seconds.
Enter your state, hourly rate, and filing status for a precise federal + state tax breakdown.
Calculate My SalaryFrequently Asked Questions
What is the federal minimum wage in 2026?
The federal minimum wage remains $7.25 per hour as of 2026, unchanged since July 2009. However, most states have set their own higher minimum wages, which employers must pay instead whenever state law exceeds the federal floor.
Which state has the highest minimum wage in 2026?
Washington State has one of the highest minimum wages in 2026 at $16.66 per hour, followed closely by California at $16.50/hr and Connecticut at $16.35/hr. Washington's rate is automatically adjusted each year based on the Consumer Price Index.
How much is minimum wage annually in 2026?
At the federal minimum of $7.25/hr, a full-time 40-hour-per-week worker earns roughly $15,080 per year before taxes. At California's $16.50/hr rate, that rises to approximately $34,320 per year gross. Use our calculator to see net pay after deductions.
Do tipped workers have a different minimum wage?
Yes. The federal tipped minimum wage is $2.13 per hour, provided tips bring the worker up to at least $7.25/hr total. Many states have eliminated the tip credit and require the full minimum wage for tipped employees. States with no tip credit include Alaska, California, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.
When do state minimum wages typically increase?
Most state minimum wage increases take effect on January 1st of each year. Some states like Washington and Colorado tie annual increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), delivering automatic inflation-based adjustments. Others follow scheduled legislative phase-ins toward a target wage floor.
How to Use This Minimum Wage Guide for Career Planning
This minimum wage by state guide is more than a compliance reference — it's a foundational tool in any salary data and career compensation strategy. Whether you're weighing a relocation, negotiating a raise above the minimum, or benchmarking entry-level positions, knowing each state's floor helps contextualize every offer you receive.
Keep in mind that