Minimum Wage Comparison Calculator

Compare minimum wage across all 50 states with annual income at each rate.

State Minimum Wage

$16.50/hr

Federal Minimum

$7.25/hr

Annual (State Rate)

$34,320.00

Top 10 States by Minimum Wage

DC$17.50/hr
WA$16.66/hr
CA$16.50/hr
NY$16.50/hr
CT$16.35/hr
NJ$15.49/hr
DE$15.00/hr
IL$15.00/hr
MD$15.00/hr
MA$15.00/hr

Use the Minimum Wage Comparison Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

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.

How It Works

Our Minimum Wage Comparison Calculator empowers you to understand the real financial implications of minimum wage across the United States. Easily compare the annual income generated at each state's minimum wage, helping you visualize earning potential and cost of living considerations. With projections for 2026, you can plan for future financial stability or advocate for fair wages with accurate data.

The calculator's methodology is straightforward: it multiplies the state's minimum hourly wage by the standard working hours in a year (2080 hours, assuming 40 hours/week x 52 weeks/year). This calculation provides a gross annual income before taxes and deductions. For states with different minimum wages for tipped employees or specific industries, we use the general minimum wage applicable to most workers.

When interpreting the results, remember that these figures represent gross income, not take-home pay. Taxes, healthcare premiums, and other deductions will reduce the actual amount received. Also, consider the cost of living in each state; a higher minimum wage might be offset by significantly higher expenses for housing, food, and transportation.

Example: Comparing 2026 Minimum Wage in California vs. Alabama

  1. 1 Let's compare the projected 2026 minimum wage for California and Alabama. Assume California's minimum wage is $17.00/hour and Alabama's remains at the federal minimum of $7.25/hour.
  2. 2 For California, the annual income is $17.00/hour * 2080 hours/year = $35,360. For Alabama, the annual income is $7.25/hour * 2080 hours/year = $15,080.
  3. 3 In 2026, a full-time minimum wage earner in California would earn approximately $35,360 annually, while a full-time minimum wage earner in Alabama would earn approximately $15,080 annually.
  4. 4 This example highlights a significant difference of over $20,000 in gross annual income between the two states, illustrating the varying financial landscapes minimum wage earners face across the country. This disparity underscores the importance of considering local cost of living when evaluating minimum wage income.

Source: IRS — Publication 15 (Circular E), Employer's Tax Guide · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the federal minimum wage in 2026?
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, unchanged since 2009. However, most states and many cities set higher minimums. Over 30 states have minimum wages above the federal level, ranging up to $16-$17 per hour in states like Washington and California.
Which state has the highest minimum wage?
Washington state and California have among the highest state minimum wages at $16+ per hour. Several cities have even higher local minimums, with Seattle, San Francisco, and New York City all above $16 per hour.
How much is minimum wage annually?
At the federal minimum of $7.25/hour, full-time annual income is $15,080 before taxes. At $15/hour, annual income is $31,200. At $16.50/hour (Washington state), annual income is $34,320. All figures assume 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year.

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