U.S. Minimum Wage in May 2026: What Workers Are Actually Paid State by State

The minimum wage in the U.S. is not the same everywhere.

The federal minimum wage set by the U.S. Department of Labor remains at $7.25 per hour, but many states and cities have moved far beyond that level.

As of May 2026, some places have the highest minimum wages in the country. 
 

States with the highest minimum wage in 2026

A handful of states and cities now lead the country with significantly higher pay floors.

Top rates include:

• District of Columbia: $17.95

• Washington: $17.13

• New York City, Long Island and Westchester: $17.00

• Connecticut: $16.94

• California: $16.90

• Hawaii: $16.00

• Rhode Island: $16.00

• New York, outside New York City, Long Island and Westchester: $16.00

• New Jersey: $15.92 for most employers

• Colorado: $15.16

• Arizona: $15.15

• Maine: $15.10

• Delaware: $15.00

• Illinois: $15.00

• Maryland: $15.00

• Massachusetts: $15.00

• Missouri: $15.00

• Nebraska: $15.00

States still tied to the federal minimum

• Alabama

• Idaho

• Indiana

• Iowa

• Kansas

• Kentucky

• Louisiana

• Mississippi

• New Hampshire

• North Carolina

• North Dakota

• Oklahoma

• Pennsylvania

• South Carolina

• Tennessee

• Texas

• Utah

• Wisconsin

Georgia and Wyoming have a state wage of $5.15 per hour, but most employers must still follow the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.

Other May 2026 rates include Arkansas at $11.00, Ohio at $11.00 for bigger employers, Montana at $10.85, and West Virginia at $8.75.

The truth is, pay rules are not the same everywhere. Some states and cities set higher wages, so workers can earn more depending on where they live and who they work for.

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