Minimum Wage by State in United States

The minimum wage varies significantly across the United States, with some states offering higher hourly wages to workers while others maintain the federal minimum wage rate. This analysis explores the current minimum wage by state, highlighting the highest and lowest-paying states.

Which states offer the highest minimum wage?

The top-paying states with the highest minimum wage rates are:
1. Washington - $16.66
2. California - $16.50
2. New York - $16.50
3. Connecticut - $16.35
4. New Jersey - $15.49
5. Delaware - $15.00
5. Illinois - $15.00
5. Maryland - $15.00
5. Massachusetts - $15.00
5. Rhode Island - $15.00

Washington leads the nation with a minimum wage rate of $16.66 per hour, while California and New York follow closely at $16.50. Other states such as Connecticut and New Jersey also offer above-average wages, with rates around $16 per hour. Many other states in the top ranks, including Delaware, Illinois, and Maryland, have a minimum wage of $15, ensuring workers earn significantly higher than the federal rate.

Which states have the lowest minimum wage?

The states with the lowest minimum wage, often tied to the federal minimum wage rate of $7.25, are:
1. Alabama - $7.25
2. Georgia - $7.25
3. Idaho - $7.25
4. Indiana - $7.25
5. Iowa - $7.25
6. Kansas - $7.25
7. Kentucky - $7.25
8. Louisiana - $7.25
9. Mississippi - $7.25
10. New Hampshire - $7.25
11. North Carolina - $7.25
12. North Dakota - $7.25
13. Oklahoma - $7.25
14. Pennsylvania - $7.25
15. South Carolina - $7.25
16. Tennessee - $7.25
17. Texas - $7.25
18. Utah - $7.25
19. Wisconsin - $7.25
20. Wyoming - $7.25

The majority of states offering the lowest minimum wage have aligned their pay rate with the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour. These states, including Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, and others, continue to offer workers the federal baseline, which is significantly lower compared to the rates in higher-paying states.

How does minimum wage vary across states?

The range between the highest and lowest minimum wage rates in the U.S. is substantial, with workers in Washington earning $16.66 per hour, over double the rate of those in states where the minimum wage is still at the federal level of $7.25. The disparity underscores ongoing regional differences in labor laws and the cost of living across the country, which influence each state's wage standards.