The minimum wage will go up in July 2026 for workers in two states and for some workers in another state. Minimum wage in the U.S. is different in each state because federal and state rules are not the same. The federal minimum wage is still $7.25 per hour and it has not increased since 2009, under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Because of inflation and rising costs, many states and cities created higher wages on their own.

Alaska will raise its minimum wage to $14.00 per hour, up from $13.00, starting July 1. Oregon will also increase its minimum wage on July 1 to $15.05 per hour, Newsweek reported. In Oregon, pay will change depending on location. The Portland metro area in Oregon will have a higher rate of $16.30. Non-urban counties in Oregon will have a lower rate of $14.05.

States raising pay in July

In California, the July increase will only apply to some healthcare workers, not everyone. California already raised its general minimum wage in January 2026 to $16.90. Florida is planning its next wage increase on September 30. A total of 19 states increased minimum wage earlier in January 2026. These states include Arizona, Colorado, New York, and Washington.

Highest and lowest wages

The highest minimum wage in 2026 is in the District of Columbia at $17.95 per hour. Washington follows with $17.13 per hour. Connecticut has $16.94 per hour. California workers get at least $16.90 per hour. The lowest minimum wage is still the federal $7.25 per hour, as stated by Newsweek. This lowest wage applies in many states including Texas, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and Alabama.

Some workers paid less

In some cases, workers can earn less than $7.25 if businesses are not covered by federal law. For example, in Montana, small businesses with under $110,000 yearly sales can pay $4.00 per hour. Lawmakers are trying to raise the federal minimum wage, but proposals have not passed yet. One proposal is the Original Living American Wage Act, introduced by Al Green. This plan would raise the federal wage to $10.59 in 2026, then increase it by $4 each year until 2030.

Plans to raise federal wage

After 2030, the U.S. Department of Labor would adjust wages every seven years. Another proposal is the Raise the Wage Act of 2025, introduced by Bernie Sanders and Robert C. Scott. This plan aims to raise federal minimum wage to $17 per hour by 2030, as cited by Newsweek. The proposal also plans to remove lower wages for tipped workers. Supporters say the proposal could help around 22 million workers nationwide.

FAQs

Q1. Which states are raising minimum wage in July 2026?

Alaska and Oregon will raise wages for most workers, while California will increase pay only for some healthcare workers.

Q2. What is the current federal minimum wage in the U.S.?

The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour and it has not changed since 2009.