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New Year Means Higher Minimum Wage in 18 States

Either phased in increases or adjusted wage floors to keep up with cost of living

WASHINGTON — Eighteen states and 19 cities have ushered in the new year by implementing minimum wage increases, reports the National Employment Law Project.

Workers across the country received raises effective Monday as the states and cities in question phased in minimum wage increases or adjusted their wage floors to keep up with the cost of living. These include six states and 17 cities that are phasing in increases that will eventually reach $12 to $15 an hour.

Here is a rundown of states that increased their minimum wage on or about Jan. 1:

  • Alaska — $9.84 (previously $9.80)
  • Arizona — $10.50 ($10)
  • California — $10.50 for small employers ($10), $11 for large employers ($10.50)
  • Colorado — $10.20 ($9.30)
  • Florida — $8.25 ($8.10)
  • Hawaii — $10.10 ($9.25)
  • Maine — $10 ($9)
  • Michigan — $9.25 ($8.90)
  • Minnesota — $7.87 for small employers ($7.75), $9.65 for large employers ($9.50)
  • Missouri — $7.85 ($7.70)
  • Montana — $8.30 ($8.15)
  • New Jersey — $8.60 ($8.44)
  • New York — Varies from $10.40 to $13 based on firm size and region ($9.70 to $11)
  • Ohio — $8.30 ($8.15)
  • Rhode Island — $10.10 ($9.60)
  • South Dakota — $8.85 ($8.65)
  • Vermont — $10.50 ($10)
  • Washington — $11.50 ($11)

Also, several large cities raised minimum wages or are scheduled to do so in 2018, including:

  • Cupertino, Calif. — $13.50 ($12)
  • Oakland, Calif. — $13.23 ($12.86)
  • San Jose, Calif. — $13.50 ($12)
  • Minneapolis, Minn. — $7.87 for small employers ($7.75), $10 for large employers ($9.50); an additional raise is scheduled for July 1
  • Seattle, Wash. — $11.50 (with benefits) for small employers ($11), $15 (with benefits) for large employers ($13.50)

The agency’s full report on the minimum wage increases is available on its website.

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(Image licensed by Ingram Publishing)

Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Bruce Beggs at [email protected].