States With the Highest Minimum Wage

2026

Top 10 US states by minimum wage in 2026, ranked from highest to lowest. Washington, California, and DC lead at $16.66+ per hour.

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 current 2026 statewide minimum wage (highest first)

State-level minimum wage applicable to most W-2 workers in 2026. Excludes higher local minimums (Seattle, NYC, etc.) and tipped/youth carve-outs. Sourced from each state's labor department + U.S. DOL wage tracker.

  1. 1

    DC

    DC — $17.95/hr (effective July 2025), indexed annually to CPI-Washington each July 1. Tipped employees rising to match standard by July 2027 under Initiative 82.

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

    Washington

    Washington — $16.66/hr (2026), indexed annually to CPI-W. Seattle adds higher local: $20.76 large employers / $17.71 small with health benefits. No tip credit allowed.

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

    California

    California — $16.50/hr base + $20.70 fast-food + $25 healthcare workers (phasing through 2028). Multiple cities exceed the state rate. No tip credit allowed.

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

    New York

    New York — $16.50/hr in NYC + Long Island + Westchester; $15.50/hr rest of state. Annual CPI indexing begins January 2027 under S4006-C of 2023.

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

    Connecticut

    Connecticut — $16.35/hr (2026), indexed to federal Employment Cost Index. Tipped wage tiered: $6.38 (hotel/restaurant), $8.23 (bartenders).

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

    New Jersey

    New Jersey — $15.49/hr (2026), indexed annually to CPI under P.L.2019, c.32. Seasonal/small-employer workers earn slightly less ($14.53). No local higher minimums.

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

    Massachusetts

    Massachusetts — $15.00/hr (final step from 2018 reform; no automatic indexing). Annual Sales Tax Holiday makes MA a popular cross-border shopping destination.

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

    Maryland

    Maryland — $15.00/hr (accelerated to Jan 2024 under SB 555 of 2023). Montgomery County higher: $17.65 (51+ employees), $16.00 (11-50).

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

    Rhode Island

    Rhode Island — $15.00/hr (final step from 2021 reform). Smallest US state by area but among top-10 by minimum wage. No automatic indexing.

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

    Illinois

    Illinois — $15.00/hr (final step from PA 101-1 of 2019). Chicago $16.20 (4+ employees) with annual CPI indexing under 2019 city ordinance.

    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.