In 2024, many states in the USA are set to increase their minimum wage, impacting a significant number of workers across the country. Here’s a summary of some key points:
- A total of 22 states will see a raise in the minimum wage, affecting approximately 9.9 million workers and resulting in an additional $6.95 billion in wages. The increases vary by state, with some of the notable hikes occurring in Hawaii (to $14), Illinois (to $14), and Maine (to $14.15). Maryland will raise its minimum wage to $15, while Michigan will see a smaller increase to $10.33.
- The increases are a mix of scheduled hikes and adjustments based on cost-of-living considerations. For example, states like California and New York have higher rates due to their high cost of living, with Hawaii seeing the largest increase of $2. Florida will raise its minimum wage to $13 per hour effective September 30, 2024.
- The wage increases are expected to benefit a diverse group of workers, including a large percentage of women and working parents. It’s also noted that a significant portion of the workers receiving these increases are currently living below or near the poverty line.
- Despite these increases, there will still be a considerable number of workers earning less than $15 per hour, particularly in states where the minimum wage remains at $7.25 per hour.
These changes reflect a growing trend towards addressing income disparities and the cost of living in various regions of the United States. The impact of these wage increases will likely be an area of ongoing discussion and analysis as they roll out across the country.
Here’s a comprehensive list of the minimum wage increases in various states across the USA for 2024, along with their previous rates:
- Arizona: Increased from $13.85 to $14.35.
- California: Increased from $15.50 to $16.00 (higher in some cities).
- Colorado (Boulder County): Increased from $14.17 to $15.69.
- Colorado (Denver): Increased from $17.29 to $18.29.
- Colorado (Edgewater): Increased from $14.02 to $15.02.
- Connecticut: Increased from $14.00 to $15.00.
- Delaware: Increased from $11.75 to $13.25.
- Florida: Will increase from $12.00 to $13.00 (effective September 30, 2024).
- Hawaii: Increased from $12.00 to $14.00.
- Illinois: Increased from $13.00 to $14.00.
- Maine: Increased from $13.80 to $14.15.
- Maine (Portland): Increased to $15.00.
- Maine (Rockland): Increased to $15.00.
- Maryland: Increased from $13.25 to $15.00.
- Michigan: Increased from $10.10 to $10.33.
- Minnesota (Minneapolis): Will increase to $15.57 (effective July 1, 2024).
- Minnesota (St. Paul): Will increase to $12.25 for small employers (effective July 1, 2024).
- Missouri: Increased from $12.00 to $12.30.
- Montana: Increased from $9.95 to $10.30.
- Nebraska: Increased from $10.50 to $12.00.
- Nevada: Will increase to $12.00 (effective July 1, 2024).
- New Jersey: Increased from $13.00 to $13.73 for small employers.
- New Mexico (Las Cruces): Increased to $12.36.
- New York State: Increased from $14.20 to $15.00 (higher in NYC, Long Island, and Westchester).
- Oregon: May be adjusted on July 1, 2024, based on the Consumer Price Index.
- South Dakota: Increased from $10.95 to $11.20.
- Vermont: Increased from $12.55 to $13.67.
- Washington: Increased from $15.74 to $16.28.
- Washington (Seattle): Increased from $18.69 to $19.97 (or $17.25/hour if the employer pays towards medical benefits).