Minimum Wage Comparison Calculator
Compare minimum wage across all 50 states with annual income at each rate.
By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated April 2026 · Source: IRS — Publication 15 (Circular E), Employer's Tax Guide
State Minimum Wage
$16.90/hr
Federal Minimum
$7.25/hr
Annual (State Rate)
$35,152.00
Top 10 States by Minimum Wage
| DC | $17.95/hr |
| WA | $17.13/hr |
| NY | $17.00/hr |
| CT | $16.94/hr |
| CA | $16.90/hr |
| OR | $16.30/hr |
| HI | $16.00/hr |
| RI | $16.00/hr |
| NJ | $15.92/hr |
| CO | $15.16/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
Minimum wage rates vary widely across the United States, and comparing the annual income each state's rate produces brings the real earning gap into focus. With 2026 projections in hand, you can map out future financial footing or bring solid numbers to a conversation about fair pay and cost of living.
The arithmetic is direct: a state's minimum hourly wage is multiplied by the standard 2080 working hours in a year, which reflects 40 hours a week over 52 weeks. The result is gross annual income before taxes and deductions. Where a state sets separate minimums for tipped employees or particular industries, the general rate that covers most workers is the one used here.
Treat every figure as gross income rather than take-home pay; taxes, healthcare premiums, and other deductions all chip away at what actually lands in your account. Cost of living deserves equal weight, because a state's higher minimum wage can be erased by steeper bills for housing, food, and transportation.
Example: Comparing 2026 Minimum Wage in California vs. Alabama
- 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 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 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 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
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