Some states will raise their minimum wages starting in 2026—in just three weeks. Specifically, Missouri has confirmed that its minimum wage will increase to $15.00 per hour in 2026. In some states, the increases will take effect on January 1st, while others will implement the change later. This adjustment represents a significant step in a series of planned increases following the passage of a state measure that established gradual increases to bring the minimum wage to this new level. At the federal level, the minimum wage will initially be $7.25 per hour until the next adjustment takes effect.
The goal is to provide fairer compensation to workers who rely on the minimum wage
In most cases, wage adjustments are due to the impact of inflation. This situation has particularly affected citizens and families with lower incomes. Looking ahead to next year, 18 states have confirmed they will increase the minimum wage. The goal is to provide fairer compensation to workers who rely on the minimum wage, while also maintaining a balance for employers, especially small businesses operating on tight margins.
In Florida, the minimum wage will increase to $15 (previously $14) on September 30, 2026
Therefore, during 2026, several states will implement increases in the minimum wage. Most will begin in January 2026. In Missouri, it will increase by $15 (it has been $13.75 until now); in Arizona, it will increase to $15.15 per hour (previously $14.70); in New York, it will rise to $16 (previously $15.50); in Washington, to $17.13 (previously $16.66); in California, it will rise to $16.90 (previously $16.50); and in Florida, the minimum wage will increase to $15 (previously $14) on September 30, 2026.
While several governments imposed new amounts in early 2025, a large group will see further adjustments. The increase applies to most private-sector employees who are not exempt under federal or state labor laws. This includes workers in restaurants, retail stores, services, cleaning, construction, and many other sectors where hourly wages are the basis of pay. In any case, according to the Department of Labor (DOL), other jurisdictions adhere to the federally established amount of $7.25.
The minimum wage increases depending on the type of work and the job category
These other jurisdictions include Pennsylvania, Iowa, Kansas, New Hampshire, Idaho, Texas, North Carolina, Indiana, Utah, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. It’s also important to know that the minimum wage increases depending on the type of work and the job category. Therefore, it’s important to be informed about how the state where you live sets this wage increase and how it might affect your job, your employees, and you as the business owner.
It is recommended that employers and employees review the applicable regulations to ensure compliance
Therefore, the wage increase will affect different groups, such as tipped employees, whose base salary may be lower, while tips constitute the required minimum; workers exempt under certain federal classifications; and very small businesses that do not meet certain income or staffing requirements. It is recommended that employers and employees review the applicable regulations to ensure compliance, as explained above. For example, and always according to the government agency, the amount is lower in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Wyoming.
The fact is that with this latest update, Missouri joins the ranks of states that continue to raise their minimum wage to adapt to the current economic climate and improve the living conditions of thousands of workers. These kinds of wage adjustments also help keep economies moving. If people have resources to spend or invest, they have greater purchasing power in local businesses, dining out, buying property, and so on. All of this is what keeps a country’s economy thriving and growing. Hence the importance of citizens’ purchasing power.