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State-by-state guide

Minimum wage by state: 2026 rates and what is set for 2027

The federal minimum wage is still $7.25 an hour. Every state on this page sets a higher rate, from $11.41 in Minnesota to $17.13 in Washington, and several big cities go higher still. Here are the rates in effect now and the 2027 rates that state agencies have officially announced, with effective dates and tip rules.

WASHINGTON$17.13OREGON$15.55STANDARDCALIFORNIA$16.90MINNESOTA$11.41ILLINOIS$15.00FEDERAL$7.25NEW YORK$17.00$16.00
Each coin is one whole dollar of the 2026 hourly rate; cents are not drawn. Oregon shows its standard rate only: Portland metro is $16.80 and nonurban counties $14.55. New York has two stacks: $17.00 for NYC, Long Island and Westchester (left), and $16.00 for the rest of the state (right).

Last reviewed November 9, 2026 · General information, not legal advice

The short answer

The rate depends on where you work.

The federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, unchanged since July 24, 2009, and when federal and state law both cover you, you get the higher rate. In 2026, Washington's minimum wage is $17.13 (rising to $17.73 on January 1, 2027), California's is $16.90 (rising to $17.40 on January 1, 2027), and Minnesota's is $11.41 (rising to $11.87 on January 1, 2027).

New York stays at $17.00 in New York City, Long Island and Westchester and $16.00 elsewhere on January 1, 2027. Illinois stays at $15.00 with no increase scheduled. Oregon's standard rate is $15.55 until June 30, 2027, and its next rate has not been announced. California, Washington, Oregon and Minnesota do not let employers count tips toward the minimum wage; federal law, Illinois and New York do for some tipped workers.

Federal floor

$7.25

Unchanged since July 24, 2009. When federal and state law both cover you, you get the higher rate.

Highest statewide rate on this page

$17.13

Washington in 2026, rising to $17.73 on January 1, 2027.

No raise on Jan. 1, 2027

NY · IL

New York stays at $17.00 and $16.00 on January 1, 2027; Illinois stays at $15.00 with no increase scheduled. Oregon changes on July 1 instead.

No tip credit

4 of 6 states

California, Washington, Oregon and Minnesota do not let employers count tips toward the minimum wage.

At a glance

Rates now and in 2027, drawn to scale.

Each bar is drawn to the same dollar scale, from $0 to $24 an hour. Where an agency has not yet announced the next rate, we say so instead of guessing.

Seven jurisdictions, side by side

Federal2026$7.252027$7.25No change scheduledTips count toward minimum wage? Yes, for some tipped workersCalifornia2026$16.902027$17.40From Jan. 1, 2027Tips count toward minimum wage? NoWashington2026$17.132027$17.73From Jan. 1, 2027Tips count toward minimum wage? NoOregon2026$15.55standard rate; Portland metro $16.80, nonurban $14.552027Not yet announcedNext rate July 1, 2027Tips count toward minimum wage? NoIllinois2026$15.002027$15.00No increase scheduledTips count toward minimum wage? Yes, for some tipped workersMinnesota2026$11.412027$11.87From Jan. 1, 2027Tips count toward minimum wage? NoNew York2026$17.00NYC, Long Island, Westchester$16.00rest of state2027No changeOn Jan. 1, 2027Tips count toward minimum wage? Yes, for some hospitality workers

Every rate on one dollar scale

Federal

Federal minimumFLSA, all states

$7.25since July 24, 2009$7.25no change scheduled

California

Californiastatewide

$16.90since Jan. 1, 2026$17.40from Jan. 1, 2027

Washington

Washingtonstatewide

$17.13since Jan. 1, 2026$17.73from Jan. 1, 2027

Seattleall employers

$21.30since Jan. 1, 2026$22.14from Jan. 1, 2027

Oregon

Portland metroOregon tier

$16.80since July 1, 20262027: not yet announcednext rate July 1, 2027; due by Apr. 30, 2027

StandardOregon tier

$15.55since July 1, 20262027: not yet announcednext rate July 1, 2027; due by Apr. 30, 2027

Nonurban countiesOregon tier

$14.55since July 1, 20262027: not yet announcednext rate July 1, 2027; due by Apr. 30, 2027

Illinois

Illinoisstatewide

$15.00since Jan. 1, 2025$15.00no increase scheduled

Chicago4+ employees

$17.05since July 1, 20262027: not yet announcednext change July 1, 2027

Minnesota

Minnesotastatewide

$11.41since Jan. 1, 2026$11.87from Jan. 1, 2027

Minneapolisall employers

$16.37since Jan. 1, 2026$17.02from Jan. 1, 2027

St. Paul101+ employees

$16.37since Jan. 1, 2026$17.02from Jan. 1, 2027

New York

NYC, Long Island, WestchesterNew York

$17.00since Jan. 1, 2026$17.00no change Jan. 1, 2027

Rest of New YorkNew York

$16.00since Jan. 1, 2026$16.00no change Jan. 1, 2027

St. Paul rates shown are for employers with 101 or more employees; smaller St. Paul employers have lower rates (see the Minnesota section). Chicago's rate applies to employers with 4 or more employees. California cities with higher local rates are not shown.

Tips and the minimum wage

Tips count toward minimum wage?

No

Full minimum wage plus tips

  • California
  • Washington
  • Oregon
  • Minnesota

Yes, for some tipped workers

A lower cash wage is allowed, but tips plus wages must still reach the full minimum wage

  • Federal as little as $2.13 cash
  • Illinois $9.00 cash (Chicago $12.96)
  • New York food service: $11.35 cash downstate, $10.70 elsewhere

Table scrolls sideways on small screens.

Minimum wage by jurisdiction, November 2026 and 2027
JurisdictionIn effect nowNext changeTips count toward minimum wage?Main law
Federal$7.25None scheduledYes. Cash wage can be $2.13; tip credit up to $5.1229 U.S.C. § 206
California$16.90$17.40 on Jan. 1, 2027NoCal. Lab. Code § 1182.12
Washington$17.13
Seattle $21.30		$17.73 on Jan. 1, 2027
Seattle $22.14		NoRCW 49.46.020
Oregon$15.55 standard
$16.80 Portland metro
$14.55 nonurban		July 1, 2027; not yet announced (due by Apr. 30, 2027)NoORS 653.025
Illinois$15.00
Chicago $17.05		None scheduled statewide
Chicago: July 1, 2027, not yet announced		Yes. Cash wage $9.00 (Chicago $12.96)820 ILCS 105/4
Minnesota$11.41
Minneapolis $16.37
St. Paul $14.25–$16.37		$11.87 on Jan. 1, 2027
Minneapolis $17.02
St. Paul up to $17.02		NoMinn. Stat. § 177.24
New York$17.00 NYC, Long Island, Westchester
$16.00 rest of state		No change on Jan. 1, 2027Yes, for some hospitality workersN.Y. Lab. Law § 652

Jurisdiction by jurisdiction

The rule, the numbers, the law.

2027 calendar

What changes in 2027, and when.

January 1 to July 1, 2027, drawn to scale. The dashed date is a proposal, not law.

  1. Jan. 1, 2027

    Statewide and city increases

    • California $17.40
    • Washington $17.73 · Seattle $22.14
    • Minnesota $11.87
    • Minneapolis $17.02 · St. Paul (101+ employees) $17.02
    • New York: no change

  2. Mar. 1, 2027

    Proposed, not law

    • Governor's proposal: New York $17.60 downstate and $16.55 elsewhere, only if the Legislature approves

  3. Apr. 30, 2027

    Deadline

    • Oregon BOLI must calculate the July 1, 2027 rate no later than this date

  4. July 1, 2027

    Mid-year changes

    • Oregon: new rates take effect (not yet announced)
    • Chicago: next change (not yet announced)
    • St. Paul 6 to 100 employees $17.02; 5 or fewer $15.00

No change scheduled: Federal $7.25 · Illinois statewide $15.00

2026

$7.25

Since July 24, 2009

2027$7.25No change scheduled

Baseline for every state

Federal

Now
$7.25Since July 24, 2009
2027
$7.25No change scheduled; only Congress can change it
Tipped cash wage
$2.13Tip credit up to $5.12 an hour

The Fair Labor Standards Act sets a floor for covered workers nationwide. If a state or city sets a higher minimum wage and it covers you, you are entitled to the higher rate.

  • Tipped workers. Federal law lets an employer pay a tipped worker (someone who regularly gets more than $30 a month in tips) as little as $2.13 an hour in cash and count up to $5.12 an hour of tips. If your tips plus the cash wage fall short of $7.25 in any workweek, the employer must make up the difference.
  • State law can be stricter. Every state on this page either bans tip credits or sets a higher cash wage for tipped workers.

Law: 29 U.S.C. § 206 (minimum wage); 29 U.S.C. § 203(m) (tip credit). Official source: U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division.

2026

$16.90

Since Jan. 1, 2026, all employers

2027$17.40From Jan. 1, 2027

Statewide, plus higher city and industry rates

California

Now
$16.90Since Jan. 1, 2026, all employers
2027
$17.40From Jan. 1, 2027 (certified July 31, 2026)
Tip credit
NoneFull minimum wage plus tips

California adjusts its statewide minimum wage for inflation every year. The Department of Finance certified the $17.40 rate for 2027 on July 31, 2026. It applies to all employers not covered by a higher local or industry rate.

  • Cities often pay more. Many California cities and counties set their own, higher minimum wages. Check the rate where you physically work: California minimum wage by city.
  • Fast food. Covered fast food restaurant workers (limited-service chains with at least 60 locations nationwide) must be paid at least $20.00 an hour, effective April 1, 2024 (Cal. Lab. Code §§ 1474–1476). As of November 9, 2026, the state's fast food FAQ lists no increase above $20.00.
  • Health care. Many workers at covered health care facilities have a separate minimum wage that began October 16, 2024 and rises in steps by facility type (Cal. Lab. Code §§ 1182.14–1182.16). Workers at the largest health systems (10,000 or more full-time employees), dialysis clinics and facilities run by the largest counties reached $25.00 on July 1, 2026; most other facility types reach $25.00 later, on schedules running as late as 2033.
  • Tips. An employer may not use your tips as a credit toward the minimum wage (Cal. Lab. Code § 351).

Law: Cal. Lab. Code § 1182.12 (statewide rate and annual adjustment); § 351 (tips). Official sources: Labor Commissioner minimum wage FAQ · DIR release on the 2027 rate.

2026

$17.13

Since Jan. 1, 2026

2027$17.73From Jan. 1, 2027

Highest statewide rate on this page

Washington

Now
$17.13Since Jan. 1, 2026
2027
$17.73From Jan. 1, 2027 (announced Sept. 30, 2026)
Seattle
$21.30 → $22.142026 → Jan. 1, 2027

Washington's Department of Labor & Industries adjusts the state rate each year for inflation. The 2027 increase is 3.5 percent. Workers aged 14 and 15 may be paid 85 percent of the adult rate: $14.56 in 2026 and $15.07 in 2027.

  • Seattle. Seattle's minimum wage is $21.30 in 2026 and $22.14 starting January 1, 2027. Since 2025, all Seattle employers pay the same rate regardless of size.
  • Other cities. SeaTac, Tukwila, Renton, Bellingham, Everett, Burien and unincorporated King County also set local rates above the state minimum. Check your city's rate.
  • Tips. Employers may not count tips or service charges toward the hourly minimum wage.

Law: RCW 49.46.020; Seattle Minimum Wage Ordinance. Official sources: Washington L&I minimum wage · Seattle Office of Labor Standards.

2026

$15.55

Standard rate, July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027

NextJuly 1, 2027Not yet announced

Three regional tiers, new rate every July 1

Oregon

Portland metro
$16.80July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
Standard
$15.55July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
Nonurban counties
$14.55July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027

Oregon's minimum wage changes every July 1, not January 1. The standard rate is adjusted for inflation; the Portland metro rate is $1.25 more and the nonurban rate is $1.00 less. The rate for July 1, 2027 has not been announced as of November 9, 2026. By law the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) must calculate it no later than April 30, 2027.

  • Nonurban counties: Baker, Coos, Crook, Curry, Douglas, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa and Wheeler.
  • Not sure which tier applies? The tier depends on where you work. BOLI can tell you which rate covers your work location.
  • Tips. Employers may not count tips toward the minimum wage, even employers covered by federal law.

Law: ORS 653.025 (rates and annual adjustment); ORS 653.035(3) (tips). Official source: Oregon BOLI minimum wage rate summary.

2026

$15.00

Since Jan. 1, 2025 (age 18+)

2027$15.00No increase scheduled under current law

Flat statewide; Chicago adjusts each July

Illinois

Now
$15.00Since Jan. 1, 2025 (age 18+)
2027
$15.00No increase scheduled under current law
Chicago
$17.05Since July 1, 2026; next change July 1, 2027

Illinois finished its phase-in to $15.00 an hour on January 1, 2025, and the statute schedules no further increase. Bills to raise the wage were introduced in 2026 but have not become law. Workers under 18 who work fewer than 650 hours a year may be paid $13.00.

  • Tipped workers (statewide). Employers may pay 60 percent of the minimum wage, or $9.00 an hour, and count tips for the rest. Tips plus wages must still reach $15.00.
  • Chicago. Chicago's minimum wage is $17.05 for employers with 4 or more employees, effective July 1, 2026. The tipped cash wage is $12.96. A 2026 amendment keeps the tip credit at 24 percent through June 30, 2028, then phases it out: for employers with 21 or more employees, it ends on July 1, 2030; for smaller employers, July 1, 2033. Chicago's July 1, 2027 rate has not been announced as of November 9, 2026.
  • Other local rates. Some Illinois localities, including Cook County, set their own minimum wage. Check local rules if you work outside Chicago.

Law: 820 ILCS 105/4 (Illinois Minimum Wage Law); Chicago Municipal Code ch. 6-105. Official sources: Illinois Department of Labor · Chicago Office of Labor Standards.

2026

$11.41

Since Jan. 1, 2026, all employers

2027$11.87From Jan. 1, 2027

Low state rate, much higher in the Twin Cities

Minnesota

Now
$11.41Since Jan. 1, 2026, all employers
2027
$11.87From Jan. 1, 2027 (announced Aug. 19, 2026)
Minneapolis
$16.37 → $17.022026 → Jan. 1, 2027, all employers

Minnesota adjusts its statewide rate each January 1 for inflation; the 2027 increase is 3.99 percent. The 90-day training wage for workers under 20 is $9.31 in 2026 and $9.68 in 2027.

  • Minneapolis. $16.37 an hour in 2026, rising to $17.02 on January 1, 2027, regardless of employer size.
  • St. Paul sets rates by employer size. Now: $16.37 for employers with 101 or more employees and for those with 6 to 100; $14.25 for 5 or fewer. On January 1, 2027, the 101-plus rate rises to $17.02. On July 1, 2027, the 6-to-100 rate rises to $17.02 and the 5-or-fewer rate to $15.00.
  • Tips. No employer may count tips toward the minimum wage anywhere in Minnesota.

Law: Minn. Stat. § 177.24, subd. 1 (rates; inflation adjustment set by August 31 each year) and subd. 2 (tips). Official sources: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry · Minneapolis minimum wage · St. Paul 2027 rates.

2026

$17.00

NYC, Long Island, Westchester

$16.00

Rest of state

2027No changeOn Jan. 1, 2027

Two regions; no increase on Jan. 1, 2027

New York

NYC, Long Island, Westchester
$17.00Since Jan. 1, 2026; same on Jan. 1, 2027
Rest of state
$16.00Since Jan. 1, 2026; same on Jan. 1, 2027
Home care aides, 2027
$20.00 / $19.00Downstate / rest of state, from Jan. 1, 2027

Starting in 2027, New York's law ties increases to a three-year average of regional inflation, but it also has "off-ramp" conditions that block an increase in certain economic conditions. The state says one of those conditions was met, so the minimum wage will not change on January 1, 2027. New York City has no separate, higher rate; it is part of the downstate region.

  • Proposed, not law. The Governor has proposed changing the off-ramp so rates would rise on March 1, 2027 to $17.60 downstate and $16.55 elsewhere. That happens only if the Legislature approves it.
  • Tipped food service workers. Hospitality employers may pay a lower cash wage and take a tip credit: $11.35 cash plus up to $5.65 in tips downstate, and $10.70 cash plus up to $5.30 elsewhere. Tips plus wages must reach the full minimum wage. Other tipped jobs have different rules.

Law: N.Y. Lab. Law § 652; Hospitality Industry Wage Order, 12 NYCRR Part 146. Official sources: New York State Department of Labor · New York State minimum wage for 2027.

If you were paid less

What to do if this happened to you.

01

Find your rate

Use the rate for the city and state where you actually do the work, not where the company is based. If more than one law covers you, the highest rate applies.

02

Check your pay stubs

Divide your pay for each week by the hours you worked. Watch for unpaid time before or after shifts, deductions that push you below the minimum, and tips counted as wages where the law does not allow it.

03

Keep records

Save pay stubs, schedules, texts about hours, and your own notes of start and stop times. Write down dates while you remember them.

04

Act before deadlines run

Wage claims have time limits. Under federal law, a minimum wage claim generally must be filed within two years, or three years if the violation was willful (29 U.S.C. § 255(a)). State deadlines differ, so do not wait.

Work in California?

Check your city's rate, then talk to us.

Many California cities pay more than $16.90. Look up your city, and if you think you were underpaid, ask for a free case review. We work on contingency: our fee is a percentage of what we recover for you. How case costs are handled is spelled out in your written fee agreement.

Free case reviewCalifornia rates by city

Work in another state?

Contact your state labor agency.

Our attorneys are licensed only in California, so for other states this page is general information. These agencies take wage complaints:

FAQ

Common questions.

What is the federal minimum wage in 2026?

The federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour. It has been $7.25 since July 24, 2009, and no change is scheduled for 2027 because only Congress can raise it. If you are covered by both federal and state minimum wage laws, you are entitled to the higher rate.

Which state on this list has the highest minimum wage?

Washington. Its statewide minimum wage is $17.13 an hour in 2026 and rises to $17.73 on January 1, 2027. Some cities go higher: Seattle's minimum wage is $21.30 in 2026 and $22.14 in 2027.

What will California's minimum wage be in 2027?

California's statewide minimum wage rises from $16.90 to $17.40 an hour on January 1, 2027. Many California cities set higher local rates. Covered fast food workers have a $20.00 minimum, and many health care workers have their own, higher schedule.

Can my employer pay me less than minimum wage because I get tips?

It depends on the state. California, Washington, Oregon and Minnesota do not allow it: you get the full minimum wage plus your tips. Federal law, Illinois and New York allow a lower cash wage for some tipped workers, but your tips plus that wage must still reach the full minimum wage.

Is New York's minimum wage going up in 2027?

Not on January 1, 2027. New York's rate stays at $17.00 an hour in New York City, Long Island and Westchester and $16.00 in the rest of the state because one of the law's economic "off-ramp" conditions was met. The Governor has proposed a change that would raise the rates to $17.60 and $16.55 on March 1, 2027, but only if the Legislature approves it.

When will Oregon announce its July 2027 minimum wage?

Oregon's rate changes every July 1, based on inflation. By law the Bureau of Labor and Industries must calculate the new rate no later than April 30, 2027. Until June 30, 2027, the rates are $16.80 in the Portland metro area, $15.55 standard and $14.55 in nonurban counties.

Does the Illinois minimum wage go up in 2027?

Not under current law. Illinois reached $15.00 an hour on January 1, 2025, and the statute sets no further increase. Chicago is different: its minimum wage is $17.05 since July 1, 2026, and it adjusts each July 1.

Sources

Official sources used.

Checked November 9, 2026.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change; check the official sources above. Our attorneys are licensed only in California, and we accept clients only in California.

California? Call (310) 853-3461