Starting this week, minimum wage hikes have taken effect across multiple U.S. states and cities, bringing higher pay to nearly 900,000 workers this summer, according to the Economic Policy Institute.
Key areas seeing increases include Alaska, Oregon, Washington, D.C., and select cities in California and Washington state.
For example, in Everett, Washington, companies with over 500 employees must now pay a minimum of $20.24 per hour. Alaska’s statewide minimum wage rose to $13.00 from $11.91, which translates to an average annual raise of $925 for full-time workers.
While the federal minimum wage has remained unchanged at $7.25 since 2009, local and state governments continue to raise their own thresholds, reflecting rising living costs.
The Economic Policy Institute notes that to cover essentials like housing, food, healthcare, and transportation, a full-time worker in any U.S. county needs to earn at least $17 per hour.
Highlights of the July 1 increases include:
- Alaska: Minimum wage raised to $13.00
- California cities: San Francisco at $19.18, Los Angeles city at $17.87, Berkeley at $19.18
- District of Columbia: Minimum wage increased to $17.95, tipped wage now $12
- Illinois (Chicago): $16.60 minimum wage for larger employers, tipped wage $12.62
- Maryland (Montgomery County): Ranges from $15.50 to $17.65 depending on employer size
- Minnesota (Saint Paul): Minimum wage up to $15 for mid-sized employers
- Oregon: $15.05 statewide, $16.30 in Portland metro area
- Washington cities like Everett, Renton, and Tukwila see increases, with Everett requiring $20.24 for large employers
