State Labor and Wage Policy

In 2026 dozens of states and localities are raising minimum wages: a NELP report finds 88 jurisdictions — 22 states and 66 cities/counties — will increase rates, with many hitting or exceeding $15 and Washington set to have the highest state rate at $17.13. New York City/Long Island/Westchester will move to $17, some states (Alaska, Florida, parts of Oregon) implement later regional increases, and PBS frames Washington’s rise as one of several leading-edge state policy changes even as the federal minimum remains $7.25 and many states still sit at that floor.