The minimum wage increases in 19 states in the U.S., but Florida is excluded from the adjustment

With the arrival of January 1, 2026, an increase in the minimum wage took effect in 19 states of the United States, a measure that will benefit approximately 8.3 million workers, according to estimates from the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) published by Telemundo 51.

The salary increase applies to both standard wage workers and, in several states, to those who receive tips, although Florida is not among the states that approved adjustments at the beginning of this year.

Washington surpasses $17 per hour

With the new adjustments, Washington became the first state in the country to exceed $17 per hour, raising its minimum wage from $16.66 to $17.13. In some cities, the minimum income will be even higher:

Seattle: $21.30 per hour

Tukwila: $21.65 per hour

Additionally, the EPI indicates that 47 cities and counties also implemented additional local increases.

States where the minimum wage increased

These are the 19 states that implemented salary increases since January 2026:

Arizona: from $14.70 to $15.15 (tips: $12.15)

California: from $16.50 to $16.90

Colorado: from $14.81 to $15.16 (tips: $12.14)

Connecticut: from $16.35 to $16.94

Hawaii: from $14 to $16 (tips: $14.75)

Maine: from $14.65 to $15.10 (tips: $7.55)

Michigan: from $12.48 to $13.73 (tips: $5.49)

Minnesota: from $11.13 to $11.41

Missouri: from $13.75 to $15 (tips: $7.50)

Montana: from $10.55 to $10.85

Nebraska: from $13.50 to $15

New Jersey: from $15.49 to $15.92 (tips: $6.05)

New York:

NYC, Long Island, and Westchester: from $16.50 to $17

Rest of the state: from $15.50 to $16

Ohio: from $10.70 to $11 (tips: $5.50)

Rhode Island: from $15 to $16

South Dakota: from $11.50 to $11.85 (tips: $5.93)

Vermont: from $14.01 to $14.42 (tips: $7.21)

Virginia: from $12.41 to $12.77

Washington: from $16.66 to $17.13

Florida, unchanged in January

Despite the increase in much of the country, Florida is not included in the list, so its minimum wage did not adjust at the beginning of 2026, a situation that contrasts with the national trend and the rising cost of living in the state.

The topic brings back to the forefront of the debate the wage disparity between states, particularly in regions where inflation and housing costs continue to rise.