The minimum wage varies from state to state, as leaders have the option to choose between the federal government minimum wage and state minimum wage rates. Every year, dozens of states increase the minimum wage, an adjustment that could vary from a few cents to a couple of dollars. With skyrocketing prices and constant inflation in recent years, a higher minimum wage helps those with the most financial struggles.
25 states will increase the minimum wage in 2024
The trend of minimum wage adjustment will continue next year, when more than two dozen states will increase the minimum wage. According to Ballotpedia News, at least 25 states will increase the minimum wage in 2024, with Hawaii set to have the highest increase of $2 (from $12 to $14 per hour, a 14.29% increase by 2023). The state with the lowest increase will be Michigan, increasing the minimum wage by $0.23 (from $10.10 to $10.33 per hour, a 2.23% increase from 2023).
Minimum wage increases in 2024 by state
The states of Oregon, Nevada, and Florida will increase the minimum wage throughout the year, while a minimum wage increase on January 1, 2024, will take place in 22 states. The minimum wage increase in Nevada and Oregon will take place on July 1, while in Florida it will take place on September 30, 2024.
Check also: Young woman’s longtime wish has come true
Just like any other year, the minimum wage increases in 2024 are the result of state laws adopted in the past. These laws vary, but they all have two things in common. They either provide incremental minimum wage increases or inflation adjustments.
Highest, lowest and average minimum wage by state in 2024
The state of Washington will have the highest minimum wage in 2024. Washington State residents will be paid at least $17.00 per hour next year. On the other side of the spectrum, Georgia and Wyoming will have the lowest minimum wage in the country, where the federal minimum wage requirement of $7.25 replaces states’ minimum wage requirements. Going into 2024, 20 states used the federal minimum wage rate of $7.25, and 30 states provided for state minimum wages above the federal minimum wage.
The average minimum wage has been growing every year. In 2008, the average minimum wage in the US was $6.92, while in 2024, the average minimum wage will be $10.69. That’s a difference of $3.77 per hour over the years.
Expected changes in 2024
In 2024, Californians will vote on whether or not the minimum wage should go up to $18 an hour by 2026.
A plan is being looked at in Michigan to raise the minimum wage by $1 every year until it reaches $15 in 2027.
Massachusetts is thinking about a plan to slowly raise the pay of people who work for tips. The goal is to have the wage level match the state’s by 2029.
In Missouri, Ohio, Alaska, and Oklahoma, people are also thinking about ways to raise the minimum wage.