WASHINGTON — On New Year’s Day, 21 states implemented minimum wage increases that are estimated to boost the incomes of 3.2 million low-paid workers, according to an analysis of Census data by the Economic Policy Institute.
As a result of these increases, a majority of states (29) plus the District of Columbia will, for the first time, have minimum wages that surpass the federal minimum wage of $7.25.
Here is a rundown of states with hourly minimum wage increases effective on or about Jan. 1, 2015, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures:
- Alaska — $8.75 (up $1)
- Arizona — $8.05 (up 15 cents)
- Arkansas — $7.50 (up $1.25)
- Colorado — $8.23 (up 23 cents)
- Connecticut — $9.15 (up 45 cents)
- Florida — $8.05 (up 12 cents)
- Hawaii — $7.75 (up 50 cents)
- Maryland — $8 (up 75 cents)
- Massachusetts — $9 (up $1)
- Missouri — $7.65 (up 15 cents)
- Montana — $8.05 (up 15 cents)
- Nebraska — $8 (up 75 cents)
- New Jersey — $8.38 (up 13 cents)
- New York — $8.75 (up 75 cents)
- Ohio — $8.10 (up 15 cents)
- Oregon — $9.25 (up 15 cents)
- Rhode Island — $9 (up $1)
- South Dakota — $8.50 (up $1.25)
- Vermont — $9.15 (up 42 cents)
- Washington — $9.47 (up 15 cents)
- West Virginia — $8 (up 75 cents)
Also, several major cities have scheduled minimum wage increases for 2015:
- San Francisco — $11.05 on Jan. 1; $12.25 on May 1
- Seattle — $11 on April 1
- San Jose — $10.30 on Jan. 1
- SeaTac (Seattle/Tacoma) — $15.24 on Jan. 1
- Chicago — $10 on July 1
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Dave Davis at [email protected].