Labor and Wages

A new NELP report says minimum wages will increase in 22 states and 66 cities/counties in 2026, with changes taking effect in 19 states and 49 localities on January 1 and additional boosts in four states and 22 cities later in the year. Sixty jurisdictions will have at least a $15 minimum on Jan. 1, and some areas will hit $17 or more, including NYC/Long Island/Westchester at $17 and New Jersey long‑term care workers at $18.92, as many increases are indexed to inflation while the federal minimum remains $7.25.