US Minimum Wage Hike 2025: Check the List of U.S. states by minimum wage per hour

Are you wondering how much the minimum wage will go up in 2025? You’re not alone! Starting January 1, 2025, millions of American workers will see a bigger paycheck because 24 states plus Washington D.C. are increasing their minimum wage. Some states are making big jumps, while others are making smaller, automatic adjustments for inflation.

Here’s everything you need to know in plain, simple English — including the exact new rates and a clear table.

Why Is the Minimum Wage Going Up in 2025?

Every year, some states raise the minimum wage for two main reasons:

• Voters or lawmakers decided to help workers keep up with the rising cost of living.
• The state has an automatic rule that increases wages based on inflation (how much prices go up).

The federal minimum wage is still stuck at $7.25 per hour since 2009, so many states are taking matters into their own hands.

Big Winners in 2025

The largest increases are happening in these places:

• California and Washington will both hit $16.50 (Washington) and parts of California even higher in some cities.
• New York jumps to $15.50 in most areas and $16.50 in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester.
• Illinois reaches $15.00 statewide — a major milestone.

Complete 2025 Minimum Wage List by State (Updated November 2025)

State	Old Rate (2024)	New Minimum Wage 2025	Increase Amount	Effective Date
Alaska	$11.73	$13.00	+$1.27	January 1, 2025
Arizona	$14.35	$14.70	+$0.35	January 1, 2025
California	$16.00	$16.50	+$0.50	January 1, 2025
Colorado	$14.42	$14.82	+$0.40	January 1, 2025
Connecticut	$15.69	$16.35	+$0.66	January 1, 2025
Delaware	$13.25	$15.00	+$1.75	January 1, 2025
Hawaii	$14.00	$14.40	+$0.40	January 1, 2025
Illinois	$14.00	$15.00	+$1.00	January 1, 2025
Maine	$14.15	$14.65	+$0.50	January 1, 2025
Maryland	$15.00	$15.00 (no change yet, $15.50 in some counties)	–	–
Michigan	$10.33	$10.56 (then $12.00+ in Feb)	+$0.23	January 1, 2025
Minnesota	$10.85	$11.00 (large employers)	+$0.15	January 1, 2025
Missouri	$12.30	$13.75	+$1.45	January 1, 2025
Montana	$10.30	$10.55	+$0.25	January 1, 2025
Nebraska	$12.00	$13.50	+$1.50	January 1, 2025
New Jersey	$15.13	$15.49	+$0.36	January 1, 2025
New York (Upstate)	$15.00	$15.50	+$0.50	January 1, 2025
New York (NYC & suburbs)	$16.00	$16.50	+$0.50	January 1, 2025
Ohio	$10.45	$10.70	+$0.25	January 1, 2025
Oregon	Varies by area	$15.95 (Portland metro) / $14.70 standard / $13.70 rural	+$0.75–$0.95	July 1, 2025
Rhode Island	$14.00	$15.00	+$1.00	January 1, 2025
South Dakota	$11.20	$11.50	+$0.30	January 1, 2025
Vermont	$13.67	$14.10	+$0.43	January 1, 2025
Washington	$16.28	$16.66	+$0.38	January 1, 2025
Washington D.C.	$17.00	$17.50	+$0.50	July 1, 2025

Important Notes:

• Many cities (like Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York City) already have higher local minimum wages than their state.
• Tipped workers often have a lower “cash wage” but employers must make sure total pay (tips + wage) reaches the full minimum.
• 26 states still follow only the federal $7.25 rate with no increase planned for 2025.

What This Means for Workers and Businesses

For workers: Even a $1 increase can mean hundreds of extra dollars every month — money for rent, groceries, or savings.
For small businesses: Some owners worry about higher labor costs, but studies show most minimum-wage hikes don’t cause big job losses and actually boost local spending.

Final Thought

2025 is bringing the biggest wave of minimum wage increases in years. If you live or work in one of the 24 states listed above, get ready for a raise in January (or July for a few places)!

Save or bookmark this page — it has the most up-to-date and easy-to-read 2025 minimum wage list on the internet.