Introduction
The minimum wage varies across states in the United States, reflecting the diverse economic conditions and policy priorities of each region. Delaware has the highest minimum wage at $15.20 per hour, followed closely by Washington and Massachusetts at $14.49 and $14.25, respectively. On the other end of the spectrum, several states, including Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, have the lowest minimum wage of $7.25 per hour which it the rate set by the federal government.
It is important to note that the minimum wage represents the lowest legal wage rate that employers are required to pay their employees, but it may not necessarily align with what is considered a livable wage, especially in areas with a higher cost of living. The concept of a livable wage refers to an income level that enables individuals or families to meet their basic needs, such as food, housing, healthcare, and education, without experiencing financial hardships.
Consequently, states with higher costs of living tend to have higher minimum wages. For example, states like California, Connecticut, and New York have implemented minimum wages above $13 per hour, reflecting the higher expenses associated with residing in these areas. On the other hand, states with lower costs of living, particularly in the South and Midwest regions, often have the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. This disparity in minimum wages across states can contribute to economic inequality and disparities in living standards among workers across different regions of the country.
Wage Statistics by State
# | State | Minimum Hourly Wage | Livable Wage | Cost of Living Index |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Delaware | $15.2 | $17.74 | 105.6 |
2 | Washington | $14.49 | $18.54 | 114.2 |
3 | Massachusetts | $14.25 | $21.88 | 149.7 |
4 | California | $14 | $21.82 | 137.6 |
5 | Connecticut | $14 | $19 | 116.8 |
6 | Oregon | $13.5 | $19.51 | 121.2 |
7 | New York | $13.2 | $21.99 | 134.5 |
8 | New Jersey | $13 | $20.57 | 112.4 |
9 | Arizona | $12.8 | $17.43 | 105.8 |
10 | Maine | $12.75 | $17.88 | 115.3 |
11 | Colorado | $12.56 | $19.16 | 104.6 |
12 | Vermont | $12.55 | $17.81 | 115.9 |
13 | Maryland | $12.5 | $19.74 | 124 |
14 | Rhode Island | $12.25 | $17.8 | 112.9 |
15 | Illinois | $12 | $18.16 | 92.6 |
16 | New Mexico | $11.5 | $16.25 | 94 |
17 | Missouri | $11.15 | $16.29 | 89.1 |
18 | Arkansas | $11 | $15.55 | 90.6 |
19 | Virginia | $11 | $19.4 | 102.8 |
20 | District of Columbia | $10.5 | $23.13 | 152.2 |
21 | Nevada | $10.5 | $16.24 | 103.2 |
22 | Alaska | $10.34 | $16.72 | 126.6 |
23 | Minnesota | $10.33 | $17.74 | 97.5 |
24 | Hawaii | $10.1 | $21.99 | 184 |
25 | Florida | $10 | $17.24 | 102.8 |
26 | South Dakota | $9.95 | $14.85 | 94.5 |
27 | Michigan | $9.87 | $16.36 | 92.2 |
28 | Ohio | $9.3 | $15.61 | 91.9 |
29 | Montana | $9.2 | $16.32 | 104.8 |
30 | Nebraska | $9 | $16.6 | 91.9 |
31 | West Virginia | $8.75 | $15.45 | 90 |
32 | Alabama | $7.25 | $15.91 | 88.1 |
33 | Georgia | $7.25 | $17.64 | 88.6 |
34 | Idaho | $7.25 | $16.16 | 99.6 |
35 | Indiana | $7.25 | $15.79 | 89.9 |
36 | Iowa | $7.25 | $16.18 | 89.2 |
37 | Kansas | $7.25 | $16.38 | 87.5 |
38 | Kentucky | $7.25 | $15.46 | 94.9 |
39 | Louisiana | $7.25 | $16.15 | 93.6 |
40 | Mississippi | $7.25 | $15.66 | 85 |
41 | New Hampshire | $7.25 | $17.32 | 116.1 |
42 | North Carolina | $7.25 | $17.14 | 95.7 |
43 | North Dakota | $7.25 | $15.37 | 97.1 |
44 | Oklahoma | $7.25 | $15.75 | 85.8 |
45 | Pennsylvania | $7.25 | $16.67 | 98.2 |
46 | South Carolina | $7.25 | $17.47 | 94.3 |
47 | Tennessee | $7.25 | $15.45 | 90.2 |
48 | Texas | $7.25 | $16.41 | 92.5 |
49 | Utah | $7.25 | $16.98 | 102.8 |
50 | Wisconsin | $7.25 | $16.4 | 95.5 |
51 | Wyoming | $7.25 | $15.25 | 92.5 |
Highest Minimum Wage in US
The ten states with the highest minimum wage in the US are Delaware, Washington, Massachusetts, California, Connecticut, Oregon, New York, New Jersey, Arizona, and Maine. Delaware is the state with the highest minimum wage in the US set at $15.20 per hour, demonstrating its commitment to providing fair compensation for workers. Washington and Massachusetts follow closely with minimum wages of $14.49 and $14.25, respectively, reflecting their efforts to address income inequality and ensure workers can meet the high cost of living. California and Connecticut both have a minimum wage of $14, reflecting their focus on providing fair compensation to workers in recognition of their higher living expenses. Oregon, New York, New Jersey, Arizona, and Maine complete the top ten of the highest minimum wage with minimum wages ranging from $13.2 to $12.75, indicating their dedication to improving the standard of living for workers and narrowing the wage gap within their states.
The states with the highest minimum wage in the US are:
1. Delaware – $15.2
2. Washington – $14.49
3. Massachusetts – $14.25
4. California – $14
5. Connecticut – $14
6. Oregon – $13.5
7. New York – $13.2
8. New Jersey – $13
9. Arizona – $12.8
10. Maine – $12.75
Lowest Minimum Wage in US
The twenty states with the lowest minimum wage in the US are Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. All of these states have a minimum wage set at the federal level of $7.25 per hour. This uniformity in the minimum wage can be attributed to various factors, including differing economic priorities, lower costs of living in these states, and the absence of state-level legislation to increase the minimum wage.
The states with the lowest minimum wage are:
1. Alabama – $7.25
2. Georgia – $7.25
3. Idaho – $7.25
4. Indiana – $7.25
5. Iowa – $7.25
6. Kansas – $7.25
7. Kentucky – $7.25
8. Louisiana – $7.25
9. Mississippi – $7.25
10. New Hampshire – $7.25
11. North Carolina – $7.25
12. North Dakota – $7.25
13. Oklahoma – $7.25
14. Pennsylvania – $7.25
15. South Carolina – $7.25
16. Tennessee – $7.25
17. Texas – $7.25
18. Utah – $7.25
19. Wisconsin – $7.25
20. Wyoming – $7.25
States by Minimum Wage
Alabama
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#32
Livable Wage
$15.91
Ranked in the US
#40
Cost of Living Index
88.1
Ranked in the US
#48
Alabama has the lowest minimum wage in the US, set at $7.25 per hour. The state has chosen to align its minimum wage with the federal level, citing concerns about potential negative impacts on businesses and job growth that could arise from raising the minimum wage.
Alaska
Minimum Hourly Wage
$10.34
Ranked in the US
#22
Livable Wage
$16.72
Ranked in the US
#26
Cost of Living Index
126.6
Ranked in the US
#6
Arizona
Minimum Hourly Wage
$12.8
Ranked in the US
#9
Livable Wage
$17.43
Ranked in the US
#21
Cost of Living Index
105.8
Ranked in the US
#16
Arizona has the ninth highest minimum wage set at $12.80 per hour, reflecting the state's focus on enhancing economic well-being and ensuring workers receive compensation that better aligns with the state's economic conditions.
Arkansas
Minimum Hourly Wage
$11
Ranked in the US
#18
Livable Wage
$15.55
Ranked in the US
#45
Cost of Living Index
90.6
Ranked in the US
#41
California
Minimum Hourly Wage
$14
Ranked in the US
#4
Livable Wage
$21.82
Ranked in the US
#5
Cost of Living Index
137.6
Ranked in the US
#4
California holds the fourth highest minimum wage in the US at $14 per hour. This higher minimum wage reflects the state's commitment to addressing income inequality and ensuring that workers are able to meet the high cost of living in California's expensive cities. The state recognizes the importance of providing fair compensation to workers to help them maintain a decent quality of life and keep up with the rising expenses associated with residing in California.
Colorado
Minimum Hourly Wage
$12.56
Ranked in the US
#11
Livable Wage
$19.16
Ranked in the US
#10
Cost of Living Index
104.6
Ranked in the US
#19
Connecticut
Minimum Hourly Wage
$14
Ranked in the US
#5
Livable Wage
$19
Ranked in the US
#11
Cost of Living Index
116.8
Ranked in the US
#9
Connecticut has the fifth highest minimum wage set at $14 per hour. The state has implemented this higher minimum wage to address the higher costs of living and ensure that workers are able to support themselves and their families adequately. By setting a higher minimum wage, Connecticut aims to reduce income inequality and promote economic well-being for its residents, considering the financial realities of living in the state.
Delaware
Minimum Hourly Wage
$15.2
Ranked in the US
#1
Livable Wage
$17.74
Ranked in the US
#17
Cost of Living Index
105.6
Ranked in the US
#17
Delaware is the state with the highest minimum wage in the US set at $15.20 per hour. This higher minimum wage reflects the state's commitment to providing fair compensation for its workers and acknowledges the increasing cost of living in the region.
District of Columbia
Minimum Hourly Wage
$10.5
Ranked in the US
#20
Livable Wage
$23.13
Ranked in the US
#1
Cost of Living Index
152.2
Ranked in the US
#2
Florida
Minimum Hourly Wage
$10
Ranked in the US
#25
Livable Wage
$17.24
Ranked in the US
#23
Cost of Living Index
102.8
Ranked in the US
#21
Georgia
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#33
Livable Wage
$17.64
Ranked in the US
#19
Cost of Living Index
88.6
Ranked in the US
#47
Georgia has the lowest minimum wage in the US set at $7.25 per hour, aligning with the federal rate. The state has emphasized its business-friendly environment as a key reason for keeping the minimum wage at the federal level, aiming to attract and retain businesses while considering potential economic implications.
Hawaii
Minimum Hourly Wage
$10.1
Ranked in the US
#24
Livable Wage
$21.99
Ranked in the US
#2
Cost of Living Index
184
Ranked in the US
#1
Idaho
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#34
Livable Wage
$16.16
Ranked in the US
#38
Cost of Living Index
99.6
Ranked in the US
#24
Idaho has the lowest minimum wage in the US set at $7.25 per hour, maintaining consistency with neighboring states and emphasizing the importance of economic stability and competitiveness in the region.
Illinois
Minimum Hourly Wage
$12
Ranked in the US
#15
Livable Wage
$18.16
Ranked in the US
#13
Cost of Living Index
92.6
Ranked in the US
#35
Indiana
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#35
Livable Wage
$15.79
Ranked in the US
#41
Cost of Living Index
89.9
Ranked in the US
#44
Indiana has the lowest minimum wage in the US set at $7.25 per hour, prioritizing its business-friendly climate and cost competitiveness in attracting and retaining businesses, while considering the potential effects of raising the minimum wage on the economy.
Iowa
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#36
Livable Wage
$16.18
Ranked in the US
#37
Cost of Living Index
89.2
Ranked in the US
#45
Iowa has the lowest minimum wage in the US set at $7.25 per hour, aligning with the federal rate. The state has expressed concerns about potential impacts on job growth and small businesses that could arise from increasing the minimum wage.
Kansas
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#37
Livable Wage
$16.38
Ranked in the US
#31
Cost of Living Index
87.5
Ranked in the US
#49
Kansas has the lowest minimum wage in the US set at $7.25 per hour, citing the need to maintain a favorable business environment and economic stability in the state while balancing the interests of workers and businesses.
Kentucky
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#38
Livable Wage
$15.46
Ranked in the US
#46
Cost of Living Index
94.9
Ranked in the US
#30
Kentucky has the lowest minimum wage in the US set at $7.25 per hour, focusing on fostering a pro-business climate and attracting investment, while considering the potential economic ramifications of raising the minimum wage.
Louisiana
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#39
Livable Wage
$16.15
Ranked in the US
#39
Cost of Living Index
93.6
Ranked in the US
#34
Louisiana has the lowest minimum wage in the US set at $7.25 per hour, emphasizing its business-friendly environment and low-cost structure to attract businesses and encourage economic growth while weighing the potential impact of a higher minimum wage on the state's economy.
Maine
Minimum Hourly Wage
$12.75
Ranked in the US
#10
Livable Wage
$17.88
Ranked in the US
#14
Cost of Living Index
115.3
Ranked in the US
#12
Maine has the tenth highest minimum wage set at $12.75 per hour, demonstrating the state's efforts to improve the standard of living for workers and address income disparities.
Maryland
Minimum Hourly Wage
$12.5
Ranked in the US
#13
Livable Wage
$19.74
Ranked in the US
#7
Cost of Living Index
124
Ranked in the US
#7
Massachusetts
Minimum Hourly Wage
$14.25
Ranked in the US
#3
Livable Wage
$21.88
Ranked in the US
#4
Cost of Living Index
149.7
Ranked in the US
#3
Massachusetts has the third highest minimum wage set at $14.25 per hour, which highlights the state's focus on promoting fair wages and addressing income inequality. Massachusetts has implemented a higher minimum wage to reflect the higher expenses associated with living in the state and to provide workers with a wage that better supports their basic needs.
Michigan
Minimum Hourly Wage
$9.87
Ranked in the US
#27
Livable Wage
$16.36
Ranked in the US
#32
Cost of Living Index
92.2
Ranked in the US
#38
Minnesota
Minimum Hourly Wage
$10.33
Ranked in the US
#23
Livable Wage
$17.74
Ranked in the US
#18
Cost of Living Index
97.5
Ranked in the US
#26
Mississippi
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#40
Livable Wage
$15.66
Ranked in the US
#43
Cost of Living Index
85
Ranked in the US
#51
Mississippi has the lowest minimum wage in the US set at $7.25 per hour, aligning with neighboring states and highlighting its cost advantages and business-friendly environment as key considerations in maintaining the current minimum wage.
Missouri
Minimum Hourly Wage
$11.15
Ranked in the US
#17
Livable Wage
$16.29
Ranked in the US
#34
Cost of Living Index
89.1
Ranked in the US
#46
Montana
Minimum Hourly Wage
$9.2
Ranked in the US
#29
Livable Wage
$16.32
Ranked in the US
#33
Cost of Living Index
104.8
Ranked in the US
#18
Nebraska
Minimum Hourly Wage
$9
Ranked in the US
#30
Livable Wage
$16.6
Ranked in the US
#28
Cost of Living Index
91.9
Ranked in the US
#39
Nevada
Minimum Hourly Wage
$10.5
Ranked in the US
#21
Livable Wage
$16.24
Ranked in the US
#36
Cost of Living Index
103.2
Ranked in the US
#20
New Hampshire
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#41
Livable Wage
$17.32
Ranked in the US
#22
Cost of Living Index
116.1
Ranked in the US
#10
New Hampshire has the lowest minimum wage in the US set at $7.25 per hour, emphasizing its business-friendly climate and considering the potential impact of raising the minimum wage on the state's economy.
New Jersey
Minimum Hourly Wage
$13
Ranked in the US
#8
Livable Wage
$20.57
Ranked in the US
#6
Cost of Living Index
112.4
Ranked in the US
#15
New Jersey has the eighth highest minimum wage set at $13 per hour, prioritizing a higher minimum wage to mitigate the effects of rising costs of living and provide workers with improved financial stability.
New Mexico
Minimum Hourly Wage
$11.5
Ranked in the US
#16
Livable Wage
$16.25
Ranked in the US
#35
Cost of Living Index
94
Ranked in the US
#33
New York
Minimum Hourly Wage
$13.2
Ranked in the US
#7
Livable Wage
$21.99
Ranked in the US
#3
Cost of Living Index
134.5
Ranked in the US
#5
New York has the seventh highest minimum wage set at $13.20 per hour. The state recognizes the need for a higher minimum wage to address the higher living costs in metropolitan areas like New York City, while also ensuring that workers across the state receive fair compensation.
North Carolina
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#42
Livable Wage
$17.14
Ranked in the US
#24
Cost of Living Index
95.7
Ranked in the US
#28
North Carolina has the lowest minimum wage in the US set at $7.25 per hour, aiming to create an attractive business environment and sustain economic growth while weighing the potential effects of increasing the minimum wage on businesses and job creation.
North Dakota
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#43
Livable Wage
$15.37
Ranked in the US
#49
Cost of Living Index
97.1
Ranked in the US
#27
North Dakota has the lowest minimum wage in the US set at $7.25 per hour, focusing on maintaining cost competitiveness and a stable business climate in the state, while considering the potential impacts of raising the minimum wage.
Ohio
Minimum Hourly Wage
$9.3
Ranked in the US
#28
Livable Wage
$15.61
Ranked in the US
#44
Cost of Living Index
91.9
Ranked in the US
#40
Oklahoma
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#44
Livable Wage
$15.75
Ranked in the US
#42
Cost of Living Index
85.8
Ranked in the US
#50
Oklahoma has the lowest minimum wage in the US set at $7.25 per hour, prioritizing its business-friendly environment and economic stability while assessing the potential consequences of raising the minimum wage on businesses and employment.
Oregon
Minimum Hourly Wage
$13.5
Ranked in the US
#6
Livable Wage
$19.51
Ranked in the US
#8
Cost of Living Index
121.2
Ranked in the US
#8
Oregon has the sixth highest minimum wage in the US set at $13.50 per hour. The state's commitment to a higher minimum wage stems from its efforts to provide workers with better economic security and improve income equality within the state.
Pennsylvania
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#45
Livable Wage
$16.67
Ranked in the US
#27
Cost of Living Index
98.2
Ranked in the US
#25
Pennsylvania has the lowest minimum wage in the US set at $7.25 per hour, considering its business climate and economic factors, while evaluating the potential impacts of increasing the minimum wage on businesses and the labor market.
Rhode Island
Minimum Hourly Wage
$12.25
Ranked in the US
#14
Livable Wage
$17.8
Ranked in the US
#16
Cost of Living Index
112.9
Ranked in the US
#14
South Carolina
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#46
Livable Wage
$17.47
Ranked in the US
#20
Cost of Living Index
94.3
Ranked in the US
#32
South Carolina has the lowest minimum wage in the US set at $7.25 per hour, emphasizing its business-friendly environment and cost competitiveness while weighing the potential effects of raising the minimum wage on businesses and employment.
South Dakota
Minimum Hourly Wage
$9.95
Ranked in the US
#26
Livable Wage
$14.85
Ranked in the US
#51
Cost of Living Index
94.5
Ranked in the US
#31
Tennessee
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#47
Livable Wage
$15.45
Ranked in the US
#47
Cost of Living Index
90.2
Ranked in the US
#42
Tennessee has the lowest minimum wage in the US set at $7.25 per hour, focusing on maintaining its business-friendly reputation and low-cost structure to attract businesses while considering the potential impacts of raising the minimum wage on the state's economy.
Texas
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#48
Livable Wage
$16.41
Ranked in the US
#29
Cost of Living Index
92.5
Ranked in the US
#36
Texas has the lowest minimum wage in the US set at $7.25 per hour, emphasizing its business-friendly climate and cost advantages, while considering the potential consequences of increasing the minimum wage on businesses and employment.
Utah
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#49
Livable Wage
$16.98
Ranked in the US
#25
Cost of Living Index
102.8
Ranked in the US
#22
Utah has the lowest minimum wage in the US set at $7.25 per hour, prioritizing its business-friendly environment and economic stability while evaluating the potential impacts of raising the minimum wage on businesses and the labor market.
Vermont
Minimum Hourly Wage
$12.55
Ranked in the US
#12
Livable Wage
$17.81
Ranked in the US
#15
Cost of Living Index
115.9
Ranked in the US
#11
Virginia
Minimum Hourly Wage
$11
Ranked in the US
#19
Livable Wage
$19.4
Ranked in the US
#9
Cost of Living Index
102.8
Ranked in the US
#23
Washington
Minimum Hourly Wage
$14.49
Ranked in the US
#2
Livable Wage
$18.54
Ranked in the US
#12
Cost of Living Index
114.2
Ranked in the US
#13
Washington holds the second highest minimum wage in the US at $14.49 per hour. The state's higher minimum wage can be attributed to its robust economy and progressive labor policies, aimed at ensuring that workers receive adequate compensation that aligns with the state's higher cost of living.
West Virginia
Minimum Hourly Wage
$8.75
Ranked in the US
#31
Livable Wage
$15.45
Ranked in the US
#48
Cost of Living Index
90
Ranked in the US
#43
Wisconsin
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#50
Livable Wage
$16.4
Ranked in the US
#30
Cost of Living Index
95.5
Ranked in the US
#29
Wisconsin has the lowest minimum wage in the US set at $7.25 per hour, emphasizing its cost competitiveness and business-friendly climate, while weighing the potential effects of raising the minimum wage on businesses and employment.
Wyoming
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#51
Livable Wage
$15.25
Ranked in the US
#50
Cost of Living Index
92.5
Ranked in the US
#37
Wyoming has the lowest minimum wage in the US set at $7.25 per hour, focusing on maintaining its business-friendly environment and low-cost structure, while considering the potential impacts of increasing the minimum wage on businesses and the state's economy.
FAQs
What state has the highest minimum wage ?
The state with the highest minimum wage is Delaware with a minimum wage set at $15.20 per hour.
What state has the lowest minimum wage ?
20 states including Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, have the lowest minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
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