Minimum Wage Increases for 2017
With the start of the new year, the minimum wage has increased in 19 states (along with a few increases scheduled for later in the year). The federal minimum wage remains at $7.25; this is the lowest hourly amount that employers can pay employees in the United States. However, if a state has a higher minimum wage, the employer must pay the higher amount. Likewise, if a city or county has a higher minimum wage than the federal or state rate, the employer must pay the higher amount.
As of January 1, 2017, the minimum wage increased to the following amounts:
- Alaska: $9.80
- Arizona: $10
- Arkansas: $8.50
- California: $10 (employers with up to 25 employees) and $10.50 (employers with 26 or more employees)
- Colorado: $9.30
- Connecticut: $10.10
- Florida: $8.10
- Hawaii: $9.25
- Maine: $9
- Massachusetts: $11
- Michigan: $8.90
- Missouri: $7.70
- Montana: $8.15
- New Jersey: $8.44
- New York: $9.70
- Ohio: $8.15
- South Dakota: $8.65
- Vermont: $10
- Washington: $11
On July 1, 2017, the minimum wage will increase in the following states:
- Maryland: $9.25
- Oregon: $10.25
On December 31, 2017, the minimum wage will increase in the following state:
- New York: $10.40
Employers and employees should check with their city or county to find out if there is a local minimum wage. For more information about the rules in your state, seeĀ Your Right to Minimum Wage.