What is the tipped minimum wage by state?

The federal tipped minimum wage is $2.13/hr (unchanged since 1991). However, many states do not allow a tip credit and require employers to pay tipped workers the full state minimum wage. States with no tip credit (full minimum wage for tipped workers) include California, Washington, Oregon, Montana, Nevada, Minnesota, and Alaska. Other states set their own tipped minimums above the federal $2.13.

How often does the minimum wage change?

State minimum wages typically change on January 1st. Many states index their minimum wage to inflation (CPI) and increase automatically each year. Some states also have scheduled increases (like Florida's Amendment 2 schedule). The federal minimum wage has not changed since 2009 and requires an act of Congress to change.

What cities have a minimum wage higher than their state?

Many major cities set minimum wages above their state's rate. Examples include Seattle (up to $19.97), San Francisco ($18.67), Denver ($18.81), Los Angeles ($17.28), Chicago ($16.20), and New York City ($16.50, matching the NYC-area rate). City minimum wages often apply only to businesses within city limits.

Minimum Wage 2026 — By State & City

Q: What is the federal minimum wage in 2026?

The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour in 2026, unchanged since 2009. Employers must pay the higher of the federal minimum or any applicable state or local minimum wage.

Q: Which states have a $15 minimum wage in 2026?

States with a $15+ minimum wage in 2026 include California ($16.50), New York ($16.00 statewide, $16.50 NYC), Washington State ($16.66), Connecticut ($16.35), New Jersey ($15.49), Illinois ($15.00), Massachusetts ($15.00), Maryland ($15.00), Delaware ($15.00), Rhode Island ($15.00), Nebraska ($15.00 as of Jan 2026), and Florida ($15.00 as of Sep 2026). Washington DC is $17.50.

The federal minimum wage is $7.25/hr in 2026 — unchanged since 2009. Look up 2026 minimum wage rates for all 50 states, Washington D.C., and 30+ major cities. Includes tipped worker rates and all scheduled 2026 increases.

2026 rates · Federal $7.25 · 15 states at $15+ · Updated Jan 2026

Federal Minimum

$7.25/hr

Since 2009

Highest (DC)

$17.50/hr

Washington D.C.

States at $15+

15 states

+ DC

Federal Tipped

$2.13/hr

Since 1991

All States

Minimum wage by state — 2026

Major Cities

City minimum wages higher than state (2026)

Many cities set minimum wages above their state. The higher rate always applies within city limits.

City	State	City Rate	State Rate	Premium	Tipped	Notes

Scheduled Changes

Minimum wage increases scheduled for 2026

Tipped Workers

Tipped minimum wage by state 2026

The federal tipped minimum is $2.13/hr — unchanged since 1991. Many states require full minimum wage for tipped workers. States with "No tip credit" must pay tipped workers the full state minimum.

State	Regular Min Wage	Tipped Min Wage	Tip Credit Allowed	Notes

Calculate exact take-home pay at any wage

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FAQ

Minimum wage questions answered

What is the federal minimum wage in 2026?

The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour in 2026, unchanged since July 24, 2009 — making it the longest period without a federal increase in US history. Employers must pay whichever is higher: the federal rate, state rate, or any applicable local (city/county) rate.

Which states have a $15 minimum wage in 2026?

As of 2026, states with minimum wages at or above $15/hr include: California ($16.50), Washington State ($16.66+), Connecticut ($16.35), New York ($16.00 state / $16.50 NYC), New Jersey ($15.49), Washington DC ($17.50), Illinois ($15.00), Massachusetts ($15.00), Maryland ($15.00), Delaware ($15.00), Rhode Island ($15.00), and Nebraska ($15.00 as of January 2026). Florida reaches $15.00 in September 2026.

Can a city have a higher minimum wage than the state?

Yes. Cities and counties can set minimum wages above the state rate. Examples: Seattle ($19.97 for large employers), San Francisco ($18.67), Denver ($18.81), Los Angeles ($17.28), Chicago ($16.20). The highest applicable rate — federal, state, or local — always governs. If a business operates in a city with a higher minimum wage than the state, it must pay the city rate to all employees working in that city.

What is the minimum wage for tipped workers?

The federal tipped minimum wage is $2.13/hr, provided tips bring total pay to at least $7.25/hr. However, many states do not allow this "tip credit" and require tipped workers to receive the full state minimum wage. States with no tip credit include California, Washington, Oregon, Montana, Nevada (since July 2024), Minnesota, and Alaska. Always check your state's specific rule — it varies significantly.

How often does the minimum wage increase?

Many states now index their minimum wage to inflation (CPI) and adjust automatically every January 1st. Examples include Washington, Colorado, Arizona, Oregon, and others. Some states have legislated scheduled increases (like Florida's Amendment 2, which increases the rate by $1 each September). The federal minimum wage requires an act of Congress and has not changed since 2009. Employers should check their state's rate each January.

Data sources & accuracy: Rates compiled from US Department of Labor (dol.gov), state labor department websites, and enacted state legislation as of January 2026. Indexed rates (marked with †) adjust annually to CPI and may change. City rates are for businesses within city limits — check county/metro boundaries for your jurisdiction. This tool is for reference only; verify rates with your state labor department before processing payroll. Last updated: January 2026.