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, see Your Right to Minimum Wage.