2024 Minimum Wage Guide: How Much is the Minimum Wage in Each State?
- By Harri Insider Team | June 7, 2024
In 2024, new minimum wage rules will come into effect, impacting corporations, employers, and talent. This comprehensive guide aims to simplify the information, helping you understand how these changes will affect your jurisdiction.
Below, you’ll see a full breakdown of the minimum wage increases that impact more than 25 states, including some that will see hourly wage growth of at least a dollar, including Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, and Rhode Island.
Save this link as your simplified and fully-updated guide to 2024 minimum wage and need-to-know items for employers such as:
- The federal minimum wage history and how we got here
- The impact of inflation on minimum wage
- 2024 minimum wage increases by state
- Current minimum wages in all 50 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico.
Minimum Wage History and How We Got Here
To see the full impact of 2024 minimum wage increases, we’ll take a step back to detail the historical context of federal and state wage legislation.
The minimum wage is the lowest pay rate per hour that an employer is legally required to pay their hourly workers. It began with the purpose of stabilizing the economy in 1938 as part of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). At that time, the federal minimum wage was $0.25. It slowly rose through the decades to accommodate the growing economy and associated cost of living that followed.
What is the federal minimum wage?
The federal minimum wage has remained at $7.25 per hour since its last increase in 2009. As living expenses and financial circumstances varied significantly from one state to another, the need for state-specific minimum wages arose.
In 1997, Congress enacted legislation granting individual states the authority to establish their own minimum wage rates. States can also determine the timing of rate adjustments, not necessarily aligning with the federal minimum wage increase schedule. Furthermore, some states have empowered local jurisdictions and municipalities the authority to establish their own minimum wage standards.
Is the federal minimum wage rising in 2024?
As of 2023, the federal minimum wage remains at $7.25 per hour, with no scheduled increase for 2024. However, in July 2023, Senator Bernie Sanders, along with 30 additional cosponsors, introduced a bill in the Senate aimed at raising the federal minimum wage (S.2488 Raise the Wage Act of 2023). As of November 2023, 30 states and the District of Columbia have minimum wages higher than the federal requirement. Moreover, more than 45 localities, including Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City, have adopted minimum wages above their state requirements.
What is the impact of inflation on wages?
As a frontline employer, you’re likely feeling the impact of inflation. Just like your customers, your workers may experience changes in their lifestyle and financial decisions as the purchasing power of their paychecks declines. To preserve the purchasing power of their minimum wage rates, many states adjust their rates annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Minimum Wage Raises by State
Nearly half of the 50 U.S. states raised their minimum wage in January 2024, reflecting a trend toward updating wage standards. California specifically introduced a new minimum wage for fast-food workers starting April 1, 2024. Meanwhile, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Wyoming either do not havea state minimum wage or have set their minimum wage below the federal level.
Earlier this year, residents of Renton, Washington, approved Initiative Measure No. 23-02, which establishes a local minimum wage for employers with 15 or more employees and an annual gross revenue of over $2 million beginning July 1, 2024. Similarly, Bellingham residents passed an initiative in the November 2023 election, bringing a new minimum wage into effect starting May 1, 2024. These local measures indicate a shift towards city-specific wage regulations in areas.
Which states have a minimum wage that is $15 or more?
As of January 1, 2024, the District of Columbia, California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey (most employers), New York and Washington will have a minimum wage of $15 or more. Additionally, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Nebraska, Rhode Island, and Virginia have committed to reaching this threshold between 2025 and 2026.
How much is the minimum wage in each state?
Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of minimum wage rates in each state. You’ll see details on states that won’t see a change, those that will, and when to expect the new legislation to go into effect. cfcoo
| State | City/Jurisdiction (If Applicable) | From | To | Effective date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal | $7.25 | None | None | |
| Alabama | $7.25 | None | None | |
| Alaska | $11.73 | $11.91 | 1/1/2025 | |
| Arizona | $14.35 | $14.70 | 1/1/2025 | |
| Arizona | Flagstaff | $17.40 | $17.85 | 1/1/2025 |
| Arizona | Tucson | $14.25 | $15.00 | 1/1/2025 |
| Arkansas | $11.00 | None | None | |
| California | $16.00 | $16.50 | 1/1/2025 | |
| California | Fast Food Workers | None | $20.00 | 4/1/2024 |
| California | Alameda | $16.52 | $17.00 | 7/1/2024 |
| California | Belmont | $17.35 | $18.30 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | Berkeley | $18.07 | $18.67 | 7/1/2024 |
| California | Burlingame | $17.03 | $17.43 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | Cupertino | $17.75 | $18.20 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | Daly City | $16.62 | $17.07 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | East Palo Alto | $17.10 | $17.45 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | El Cerrito | $17.92 | $18.34 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | Emeryville | $18.67 | $19.36 | 7/1/2024 |
| California | Foster City | $17.00 | $17.39 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | Fremont | $16.80 | $17.30 | 7/1/2024 |
| California | Half Moon Bay | $17.01 | $17.47 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | Hayward 26+ Employees | $16.90 | $17.36 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | Hayward 1-25 Employees | $16.00 | $16.50 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | Long Beach (Hotel Workers) | $17.55 | $23.00 | 7/1/2024 |
| California | Long Beach Concessionaire Workers (including Long Beach Airport) | $17.36 | $17.97 | 7/1/2024 |
| California | Los Altos | $17.75 | $18.20 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | Los Angeles (City of) | $16.78 | $17.28 | 7/1/2024 |
| California | Los Angeles County (unincorporated) 26+ Employees | $16.90 | $17.27 | 7/1/2024 |
| California | Los Angeles County (unincorporated) 1-25 Employees | $16.90 | $17.27 | 7/1/2024 |
| California | Los Angeles World Airports (LAX & VNY) without Benefits | $24.73 | TBD | 7/1/2024 |
| California | Los Angeles World Airports (LAX & VNY) with Benefits ($5.95/hr) | $18.78 | TBD | 7/1/2024 |
| California | Malibu | $16.90 | $17.27 | 7/1/2024 |
| California | Menlo Park | $16.70 | $17.10 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | Milpitas | $17.20 | $17.70 | 7/1/2024 |
| California | Mountain View | $18.75 | $19.20 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | Novato 100+ Employees | $16.86 | $17.27 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | Novato 26-99 Employees | $16.60 | $17.00 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | Novato 1-25 Employees | $16.04 | $16.50 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | Oakland | $16.50 | $16.89 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | Oakland Hotel Employees with Health Benefits | $17.94 | $18.36 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | Oakland Hotel Employees without Health Benefits | $23.91 | $24.48 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | Palo Alto | $17.80 | $18.20 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | Pasadena | $16.93 | $17.50 | 7/1/2024 |
| California | Petaluma | $17.45 | $17.97 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | Redwood City | $17.70 | $18.20 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | Richmond | $16.75 | $17.77 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | San Carlos | $16.87 | $17.32 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | San Diego | $16.85 | $17.25 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | San Francisco | $18.07 | $18.67 | 7/1/2024 |
| California | San Francisco Airport QSP | $20.72 | $21.46 | 7/1/2024 |
| California | San Francisco Airport MCO | $20.96 | $22.50 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | San Jose | $17.55 | $17.95 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | San Jose Mineta Airport with Health Benefits | $18.86 | $19.55 | 7/1/2024 |
| California | San Jose Mineta Airport without Health Benefits | $20.11 | $20.80 | 7/1/2024 |
| California | San Mateo | $17.35 | $17.95 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | San Mateo County (Unincorporated) | $17.06 | $17.46 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | Santa Clara | $17.75 | $18.20 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | Santa Monica | $16.90 | $17.27 | 7/1/2024 |
| California | Santa Monica Hotel | $19.73 | $20.32 | 7/1/2024 |
| California | Santa Rosa | $17.45 | $17.87 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | Sonoma 26+ Employees | $17.60 | $18.02 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | Sonoma 1-25 Employees | $16.56 | $16.96 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | South San Francisco | $17.25 | $17.70 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | Sunnyvale | $18.55 | $19.00 | 1/1/2025 |
| California | West Hollywood | $19.08 | $19.65 | 1/1/2025 |
| Colorado | $14.42 | $14.81 | 1/1/2025 | |
| Colorado | Boulder County | $15.69 | $16.57 | 1/1/2025 |
| Colorado | City of Boulder | – | $15.57 | 1/1/2025 |
| Colorado | Denver | $18.29 | $18.81 | 1/1/2025 |
| Colorado | Edgewater | $15.02 | $16.52 | 1/1/2025 |
| Connecticut | $15.69 | $16.35 | 1/1/2025 | |
| Delaware | $13.25 | $15.00 | 1/1/2025 | |
| District of Columbia | $17.00 | $17.50 | 7/1/2024 | |
| Florida | $12.00 | $13.00 | 9/30/2024 | |
| Georgia | FLSA | $7.25 | None | None |
| Georgia | FLSA Exempt | $5.15 | None | None |
| Guam | $9.25 | None | None | |
| Hawaii | $12.00 | $14.00 | 1/1/2024 | |
| Idaho | $7.25 | None | None | |
| Illinois | $14.00 | $15.00 | 1/1/2025 | |
| Illinois | Chicago Large Employer | $15.80 | $16.20 | 7/1/2024 |
| Illinois | Chicago Small Employer | $15.00 | $16.20 | 7/1/2024 |
| Illinois | Cook County | $14.05 | $15.00 | 1/1/2025 |
| Illinois | O’Hare & Midway Airport | $18.00 | $18.65 | 7/1/2024 |
| Indiana | $7.25 | None | None | |
| Iowa | $7.25 | None | None | |
| Kansas | $7.25 | None | None | |
| Kentucky | $7.25 | None | None | |
| Lousiana | $7.25 | None | None | |
| Maine | $14.15 | $14.65 | 1/1/2025 | |
| Maine | Portland | $15.00 | $15.50 | 1/1/2025 |
| Maine | Rockland | $15.00 | $15.50 | 1/1/2025 |
| Maryland | All Employees | $13.25 | $15.00 | 1/1/2025 |
| Maryland | Howard County 15+ Employees | $15.00 | $16.00 | 1/1/2025 |
| Maryland | Howard County 1-14 Employees | $13.25 | $15.00 | 1/1/2024 |
| Maryland | Montgomery County Large Employer | $16.70 | $17.15 | 7/1/2024 |
| Maryland | Montgomery County Mid-Size Employer | $15.00 | $15.50 | 7/1/2024 |
| Maryland | Montgomery County Small Employer | $14.50 | $15.00 | 1/1/2024 |
| Massachusetts | $15.00 | None | None | |
| Michigan | $10.33 | $10.56 | 1/1/2025 | |
| Minnesota | All Employers | $10.85 | $11.13 | 1/1/2025 |
| Minnesota | Minneapolis Small and Large Employers | $15.57 | $15.97 | 1/1/2025 |
| Minnesota | MSP Airport | $15.19 | $15.57 | TBD |
| Minnesota | St. Paul Macro ER (More than 10,000 Employees) | $15.57 | $15.97 | 1/1/2025 |
| Minnesota | St. Paul Large ER (101-10,000 Employees) | $15.57 | $15.97 | 1/1/2025 |
| Minnesota | St. Paul Small ER (6-100 Employees) | $13.00 | $14.00 | 7/1/2024 |
| Minnesota | St. Paul Micro ER (5 or fewer Employees) | $11.50 | $12.25 | 7/1/2024 |
| Mississippi | $7.25 | None | None | |
| Missouri | $12.30 | $13.75 | 1/1/2025 | |
| Missouri | Lambert Airport with Health Benefits | $15.54 | $16.14 | 4/1/2024 |
| Missouri | Lambert Airport without Health Benefits | $20.34 | $21.12 | 4/1/2024 |
| Montana | $10.30 | $10.55 | 1/1/2025 | |
| Nebraska | $12.00 | $13.50 | 1/1/2025 | |
| Nevada | With Health Benefits | $10.25 | $12.00 | 7/1/2024 |
| Nevada | Without Health Benefits | $11.25 | $12.00 | 7/1/2024 |
| New Hampshire | $7.25 | None | None | |
| New Jersey | Most Employers | $15.13 | $15.49 | 1/1/2025 |
| New Jersey | Season & Small Employers | $13.73 | $14.53 | 1/1/2025 |
| New Jersey | Port Authority (Airports) | $19.00 | None* | None * |
| New Mexico | $12.00 | None | None | |
| New Mexico | Albuquerque | $12.00 | $12.00 | 1/1/2025 |
| New Mexico | Las Cruces | $12.36 | $12.65 | 1/1/2025 |
| New Mexico | City of Santa Fe | $14.03 | $14.60 | 3/1/2024 |
| New Mexico | Sante Fe County | $14.03 | $14.60 | 3/1/2024 |
| New York | $15.00 | $15.50 | 1/1/2025 | |
| New York | Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester Counties | $16.00 | $16.50 | 1/1/2025 |
| New York | New York City | $16.00 | $16.50 | 1/1/2025 |
| New York | Port Authority (Airports) | $19.00 | None* | None* |
| North Carolina | $7.25 | None | None | |
| North Dakota | $7.25 | None | None | |
| Ohio | $10.45 | $10.70 | 1/1/2025 | |
| Oklahoma | $7.25 | None | None | |
| Oregon | Standard | $14.20 | $14.70 | 7/1/2024 |
| Oregon | Portland, Urban Growth | $15.45 | $15.95 | 7/1/2024 |
| Oregon | Non-Urban Counties | $13.20 | $13.70 | 7/1/2024 |
| Pennsylvania | $7.25 | None | None | |
| Pennsylvania | Philadelphia International Airport | $15.00 | TBD | 7/1/2024 |
| Puerto Rico | $9.50 | $10.50 | 7/1/2024 | |
| Rhode Island | $14.00 | $15.00 | 1/1/2025 | |
| South Carolina | $7.25 | None | None | |
| South Dakota | $11.20 | $11.50 | 1/1/2025 | |
| Tennessee | $7.25 | None | None | |
| Texas | $7.25 | None | None | |
| Texas | IAH, Hobby, & Ellington Airports | $15.00 | TBD | 10/1/2024 |
| Texas | Austin-Bergstrom International Airport | $20.80 | None | None |
| US Virgin Islands | $10.50 | None | None | |
| Utah | $7.25 | None | None | |
| Vermont | $13.67 | $14.01 | 1/1/2025 | |
| Virginia | $13.50 | $12.41 | 1/1/2025 | |
| Virginia | Reagan National and Dulles International Airport | $16.00 | $16.78 | 1/1/2025 |
| Washington | $16.28 | $16.66 | 1/1/2025 | |
| Washington | Bellingham | $17.28 | $17.66 | 1/1/2025 |
| Washington | Burien Level 1 Employer | $21.16 | 1/1/2025 | |
| Washington | Unincorporated King County – 500+ Employees | $20.29 | 1/1/2025 | |
| Washington | Unincorporated King County – 15+ but less than 500 Employees | $18.29 | 1/1/2025 | |
| Washington | Unincorporated King County – Less than 15 employees and more than $2 mil | $18.29 | 1/1/2025 | |
| Washington | Unincorporated King County – Less than 15 employees and less than $2 mil | $17.29 | 1/1/2025 | |
| Washington | Renton Large Employer | $20.29 | $20.90 | 1/1/2025 |
| Washington | Renton Mid-Size Employer | $18.29 | $18.90 | 1/1/2025 |
| Washington | Seattle All Employers | $19.97 | $20.76 | 1/1/2025 |
| Washington | SeaTac | $19.71 | $20.17 | 1/1/2025 |
| Washington | Tukwila Large Employer | $20.29 | $21.10 | 1/1/2025 |
| Washington | Tukwila Small Employer | $18.29 | $20.10 | 1/1/2025 |
| West Virginia | $8.75 | None | None | |
| Wisconsin | $7.25 | None | None | |
| Wyoming | FLSA | $7.25 | None | None |
| Wyoming | FLSA Exempt | $5.15 | None | None |
How to Prepare for Minimum Wage Increases
Employers will want to have a game plan for communicating changes to employees. Open conversations and transparency assure workers that new legislation translates directly to their wallets. Below, we outline a few important notes to consider as you start your communication plan.
Minimum Wage Considerations and Exemptions
The Department of Labor (DOL) website is an outstanding resource for further guidance on the federal minimum wage. There, employers and their workers will find an “Employment Law Guide,” a Q and A about the federal minimum wage, information on Youth Minimum Wage, and additional Interpretive Guidance.
Tipped employees: Under the Federal Labor Standards Act (FLSA), employers are authorized to pay tipped employees at least $2.13 an hour in direct wages if they receive pay that is at least equal to the federal minimum wage with tips. Otherwise, employers are required to make up the difference. Some states also have minimum wage laws specific to tipped employees. In some jurisdictions, the minimum cash wage for tipped employees increases when the minimum wage increases. Other jurisdictions, like Alaska, California, Minnesota, and Montanan, do not allow employers to apply a tip credit toward the minimum wage.
Young workers: Certain employers may be able to pay youth workers at a rate below the established minimum wage. For example, according to the FLSA, employers have the option to individuals under the age of 20 a minimum wage of not less than $4.25 per hour. In other jurisdictions such as Connecticut, the youth minimum wage is determined as a percentage of the established minimum wage.
Please note: Although this is an option, it is often easier from an administrative point of view to pay the $7.25 minimum wage rate from the offset, as missing the 90 days can lead to legal issues. It also can be unpopular with employees to receive such low pay and may be a competitive disadvantage.
Full-time students: Employers can obtain a certificate from the DOL as part of The Full-time Student Program to pay students in retail or service stores, agriculture, or colleges and universities. Students receive at least 85% of the minimum wage, with daily hours limited to 8 and weekly hours limited to 20 when school is in session. Students can work up to 40 hours when school is not in session.
How to notify employees of minimum wage increases
Some states have distinct requirements regarding notifying employees about wage changes. Some require the use of specific forms, potentially impacting the onboarding process. When establishing location-specific requirements, prioritize communication. Employers should clearly convey the timing for each worker to expect an updated paycheck and provide any logistical details for their preparation.
Navigate Minimum Wage Changes With Harri
The Harri team is here to help answer any questions you have about notifying employees. Employers using Harri’s tools for talent management and onboarding today benefit from features built to keep you ahead of the game and confident about changes.
As always, we’ll continue to deliver the latest news across the employment landscape in a simple way so you can focus on growing your business with incredible talent.
Curious about how Harri helps your workforce? Chat with our team today to learn how our unparalleled employee experiences drive business performance for over 20,000 restaurant and hotel locations globally.
