Minimum Wage Increases Set to Impact Over 9 Million U.S. Workers in 2025

Starting January 1, 21 states and 48 localities will raise their minimum wages, with some reaching historic highs.

Washington State will lead with the highest state minimum wage at $16.66 per hour, while Tukwila, Washington, will set the nation's highest local minimum wage at $21.10 per hour.
California, New York, and 10 other states will implement minimum wages of $15 per hour or higher, affecting one-third of U.S. workers in these areas.
Inflation adjustments account for 14 of the 21 state increases, while legislation and ballot measures drive the rest, with states like Missouri and Nebraska on paths to $15 minimum wages by 2026.
The federal minimum wage remains at $7.25 per hour, unchanged since 2009, representing its lowest inflation-adjusted value in nearly 70 years.
Critics and business groups express concerns over rising labor costs, while worker advocates argue these increases are essential to address affordability challenges and economic inequality.