US states with the highest and lowest minimum wage in 2024

The federal minimum wage in the United States has not increased since 2009, remaining at $7.25 per hour for 15 years. It’s the longest period without an increase since the establishment of the minimum wage in 1938.

Despite the federal minimum wage being less than $8 per hour, the District of Columbia and 30 states have adopted higher salary levels. Some lawmakers have tied wage increases to the cost of living to keep pace with inflation, while others have enacted legislation that includes automatic annual hikes.

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Highest minimum wage in the USA in 2024

1. District of Columbia

The District of Columbia currently offers a minimum wage of $17 per hour. This is the highest base wage across the nation in 2024.

2. Washington

The minimum wage in the state of Washington has increased to $16.28 per hour. The new rate took effect in January this year, and is 54 cents higher than last year’s amount.

3. California

California’s minimum wage increased by 3.5% starting on Jan. 1, 2024. The state’s minimum wage is now $16 per hour.

4. New York City, Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties

The base salary was increased in New York City, Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties to $16 per hour this year, a rate that is higher than the rest of New York State’s $15 an hour.

5. Connecticut

Connecticut’s minimum wage per hour increased by 4.6% to $15.69 starting on the first day of this year.

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Lowest minimum wage in the United States in 2024

Five states in the country do not have a state-established minimum wage in their legislation and therefore adopt the federal minimum of $7.25. These states are Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Meanwhile, Georgia and Wyoming have set minimum wages at $5.15, if the employers are exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act. However, the majority of businesses are required to use the federal minimum wage of $7.25.

The remaining states with a minimum wage of $7.25 are the following: