A State-by-State Breakdown on 2025 Minimum Wage Changes for U.S. Workers
- Author: Alex O'Connell
- Posted: 2025-01-09
Citizens in the United States are battling inflation and tough economic times by seeking a higher minimum wage.
For 2025, 21 states have increased the minimum wage, while the remaining 29 have not announced changes.
This mixed response highlights the patchwork approach to addressing economic challenges nationwide.
States Increasing Minimum Wages in 2025
The following 21 states will raise their minimum wages in 2025, benefiting approximately 9.2 million workers:
- Alaska: $11.91
- Arizona: $14.70
- California: $16.50
- Colorado: $14.81
- Connecticut: $16.35
- Delaware: $15.00
- Florida: $13.00
- Hawaii: $14.00
- Illinois: $15.00
- Maine: $14.65
- Maryland: $15.00
- Massachusetts: $15.00
- Missouri: $13.75
- Nebraska: $13.50
- New Jersey: $15.49 (for most employers)
- New York: $16.50 (NYC, Long Island, Westchester County); $15.50 elsewhere
- Oregon: $14.70 (statewide); $15.95 (Portland metro); $13.70 (non-urban counties)
- Rhode Island: $15.00
- South Dakota: $11.50
- Vermont: $14.01
- Washington: $16.66
These increases reflect diverse approaches, with some states tied to cost-of-living adjustments and others implementing long-term strategies like Florida’s plan to reach $15.00 by 2026.
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States Without Minimum Wage Increases in 2025
Despite growing economic pressures, 29 states have opted not to increase their minimum wages this year.
Of these, 20 remain at the federal minimum wage of $7.25, which hasn’t changed since 2009. These states include:
- Alabama: $7.25
- Georgia: $7.25
- Idaho: $7.25
- Indiana: $7.25
- Iowa: $7.25
- Kansas: $7.25
- Kentucky: $7.25
- Louisiana: $7.25
- Mississippi: $7.25
- Montana: $10.55
- New Hampshire: $7.25
- North Carolina: $7.25
- North Dakota: $7.25
- Ohio: $10.70
- Oklahoma: $7.25
- Pennsylvania: $7.25
- South Carolina: $7.25
- Tennessee: $7.25
- Texas: $7.25
- Utah: $7.25
- Virginia: $12.41
- West Virginia: $8.75
- Wisconsin: $7.25
- Wyoming: $7.25
Other states have set wages above $7.25 but made no 2025 changes.
These include Michigan ($10.56), Minnesota ($11.13), Nevada ($12.00), and New Mexico ($12.00).
Key Highlights
- Highest Minimum Wages: Washington, D.C. leads the country at $17.50, followed by Washington State at $16.66, and areas in New York and California at $16.50.
- Federal Minimum Wage Stagnation: Remaining at $7.25 since 2009, it no longer aligns with the cost of living in many areas.
What This Means for You?
If you live in a state implementing wage increases, you may experience some relief from inflation and economic strain.
For states with stagnant wages, the advocacy for better compensation is likely to grow as inflation continues to challenge household budgets.
If you're looking for resources, you may be qualified here.
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