States With the Fastest-Rising Minimum Wage (2024-2027)

2026

Top 10 US states with the largest scheduled minimum-wage increases between 2024 and 2027, ranked by total dollar-per-hour increase. Includes legislated annual indexation.

Written and reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Methodology · Updated

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

Ranked by scheduled $/hr increase between 2024 and 2027

Total scheduled increase = (statewide minimum wage on January 1, 2027) minus (statewide minimum wage on January 1, 2024). Excludes city-only minimums (SF, Seattle, Denver) and industry-specific minimums (CA fast-food $20). Sources: state DOL announcements, ballot initiative texts, 2026 indexation formulas.

  1. 1

    Hawaii

    Hawaii — $14 (2024) → $16 (2026) → $18 (2028). Stepped phase-in under HB 2510 (2022) is the largest scheduled increase per hour ($4 in 4 years). HI cost-of-living drove the legislation.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  2. 2

    Maryland

    Maryland — $13.25 (2024) → $15.00 (2024 small employer) → indexed annually 2027+. Equalized large/small employer in 2024.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  3. 3

    Delaware

    Delaware — $13.25 (2024) → $15.00 (2025), then indexed. Ranks as one of largest 1-year jumps under SB 15 (2021).

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  4. 4

    Illinois

    Illinois — $14 (2024) → $15 (2025) — final step of 2019 SB 1. Now indexed. Tipped minimum scheduled to reach $9/hr by 2027.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  5. 5

    Florida

    Florida — $12 (2024) → $13 (2024 Sept) → $14 (2025) → $15 (2026), per Amendment 2 voter initiative. Indexed thereafter.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  6. 6

    Connecticut

    Connecticut — $15.69 (2024) → indexed to wage growth annually. Reached $15 in 2023, the only state with indexation tied to private-sector wage growth.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  7. 7

    New Jersey

    New Jersey — $15.13 (2024) → indexed. Hit $15 in 2024 under 2019 statute. Small employers (5 or fewer) reached $15 by start of 2026.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  8. 8

    Rhode Island

    Rhode Island — $14 (2024) → $15 (2025), per 2021 RIGL § 28-12-3. Smallest gap-to-$15 of New England states with statutory minimums.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  9. 9

    Colorado

    Colorado — $14.42 (2024) → $14.81 (2025) → $15.69 (2026) — indexed under Amendment 70 (2016). Local jurisdictions can set higher (Denver $18.50, Edgewater $15.69).

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  10. 10

    Massachusetts

    Massachusetts — $15 (2023+) → 2026 ballot initiative for $20 by 2027 pending. If passed becomes the highest statewide minimum in the country.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →

Methodology note: This listicle is curated based on Q1 2026 data verified against each state's Department of Revenue + Tax Foundation 50-state reports. Rankings reflect tax structure and are not investment advice. Cost of living, employment opportunities, climate, and personal preferences should also factor into relocation decisions.