How to Find Your State's Minimum Wage in 2026

Your 2026 minimum wage depends on three layers, in this order: federal → state → city/county. The highest applicable floor wins.

Step 1: Check your state. Thirty states + DC exceed $7.25. California and New York are $16.50, Washington $16.66, DC $17.50, Connecticut $16.35.

Step 2: Check your city. About 50 US cities and counties set minimums above state level. Key ones: Seattle ($20.76), Denver ($18.81), West Hollywood ($19.65–20.15), Berkeley ($18.67), Minneapolis ($15.97 / $15.57 tiered).

Step 3: Check your industry. California fast-food workers earn $20 under AB 1228. California healthcare workers phase up to $25 by 2027. Some cities have tipped subminimums (Chicago is eliminating theirs by 2028).

The US Department of Labor maintains an official map at dol.gov/agencies/whd/minimum-wage/state. State labor department websites have the most current local rules. For quick global context including how US federal $7.25 compares to peer countries, see our minimum wage dashboard.