19 States Raise Minimum Wage, 20 Refuse to Join the Party
KEY POINTS
- •Starting January 1, 2026, 19 states increased their minimum wage impacting over 8 million workers nationwide.
- •Washington, D.C. leads with the highest wage at $17.95/hour while many states remain at the federal $7.25 baseline.
- •Several states like Oregon and New York have complex, region-specific minimum wage rules reflecting local cost-of-living quirks.
On January 1, 2026, a riveting saga unfolded as 19 states finally admitted they might care about paying people more than federal pennies—affecting over 8 million workers, which sounds like a decent-sized audience but also a horrifyingly accurate cast for a reality check. Washington, D.C. strutted ahead with a majestic $17.95/hour, proving legislative offices have their priorities, while nostalgic states stuck stubbornly at $7.25 or nothing, apparently still waiting for their time machines. New York has situational wages where you pay more if you browse Brooklyn, but not if you’re chilling in the rest of the state. Oregon's three-tiered system practically won 'most confusing wage schedule,' with Portland locals pocketing $16.30, while nonurban folks settle for $14.05—because geography apparently affects dollar value. Montana offers a jaw-dropping grace for the smallest businesses: $4/hour, which makes you wonder what those employees are compensated with, maybe priceless life lessons or exposure.
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Minimum wage hikes are the adult version of 'who wants to be a millionaire,' except 20 states still insist on playing 'Let’s Stay Broke.'
Watching certain states cling to $7.25 while others sprint past $17 is like cheering for a tortoise who forgot the race started last year.
Oregon’s triple-tier wage system sounds like a confusing Wi-Fi plan but it pays less in rural areas—because apparently, dollars get weaker in the wilderness.
Source: Businessinsider | Published: 1/2/2026 | Author: Kathleen Elkins
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