What state is the highest minimum wage?

As of early 2026, Washington State has the highest statewide minimum wage at $17.13 per hour, but Washington, D.C. (a district, not a state) leads the nation overall with $17.95, while specific cities in Washington and California have even higher local rates, like Tukwila, WA ($21.65) and California's $20/hour for fast-food workers.

What is the highest paying state for minimum wage?

As of January 2026, Washington state has the highest state minimum wage at $17.13 per hour, following recent increases, while Washington, D.C., has the overall highest minimum wage in the U.S. at $17.95, though it's a district, not a state. New York also has high rates, with $17.00 in NYC and surrounding counties, and $16.00 for the rest of the state. 

What 5 states have no state minimum wage?

Five states have not adopted a state minimum wage: Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee. Three states, Georgia, Oklahoma and Wyoming, have a minimum wage below $7.25 per hour. In all eight of these states, the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour generally applies.

Where in the US is the minimum wage $20?

Certain areas of California and Washington offer a minimum wage of over $20 an hour. Minimum wages increased on July 1, 2025 across several U.S. states and cities. These increases vary by location and industry, with higher wages often limited to specific sectors like hospitality or healthcare.

Does Chick-fil-A pay $20 an hour?

Yes, many Chick-fil-A locations, especially in high-cost areas like California, pay around $20 an hour or more for team members, often starting at that rate due to local minimum wage laws and company standards, with some roles even exceeding that. While national averages vary, local data shows front-of-house and kitchen roles frequently hitting or surpassing the $20 mark, with shift leaders earning even more, though actual pay depends on location, experience, and specific store. 

Top 10 US States with the Highest Minimum Wage.

What is California's minimum wage?

California's statewide minimum wage increased to $16.90 per hour on January 1, 2026, for all employers, with higher rates applicable in many cities and for specific industries like fast-food and healthcare workers, so always check local ordinances for the precise rate in a given area. 

What is the lowest paying state?

The lowest paying states, based on minimum wage, are those that follow the federal rate of $7.25/hour, including Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Wyoming, with Georgia and Wyoming having even lower state rates ($5.15) that default to the federal wage for most employers; however, in terms of overall income, Mississippi consistently ranks as having the lowest median household income. 

Is minimum wage enough to live on?

No, the federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour) is not enough to live on in the U.S. in 2025, as it falls below the poverty line and workers often need to work over 80 hours weekly just to afford housing, with even higher state minimums often insufficient in high-cost areas like California due to expensive living costs, making a true living wage closer to $20-$26+ depending on location and family needs. 

What is the Texas minimum wage?

Texas follows the federal minimum wage, so its minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, the same rate it's been since 2009, as the state hasn't passed its own higher minimum wage law. This means that for most covered employees, the federal minimum wage of $7.25 is the effective rate in Texas.
 

What is the lowest paid position at Walmart?

Hourly pay at Walmart.com ranges from an average of $12.62 to $22.96 an hour. Walmart.com employees with the job title Maintenance Technician make the most with an average hourly rate of $23.78, while employees with the title Cashier make the least with an average hourly rate of $13.65.

Is Walmart going to $18 an hour?

Starting in early March, store employees will make between $14 and $19 an hour. They currently earn between $12 and $18 an hour, according to Walmart spokeswoman Anne Hatfield.

What is the employee discount at Walmart?

Walmart offers its employees a 10% discount on most regularly priced items, including a recently expanded year-round grocery discount (dairy, meat, frozen, dry goods), fresh produce, and general merchandise like clothing, with the discount covering about 95% of items in-store and online after 90 days of employment. 

What is the lowest wage in the USA?

The lowest standard minimum wage in the U.S. is the federal rate of $7.25 per hour, which applies in states that have no state minimum wage law or set theirs at the federal level, including Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and others. Some specific categories, like tipped workers ($2.13/hr cash wage) or trainees, can be paid less, but the employer must ensure earnings meet at least $7.25/hr.
 

What states' minimum wage is going up in 2026?

New York, California, Maine, Michigan, Missouri and Ohio are among states boosting the lowest someone can be paid for an hourly wage. The biggest increase is in Hawaii, which is raising its minimum wage by $2 an hour. Florida, Alaska and Oregon will also raise their pay requirements later in 2026.

Who has to pay $20 an hour in California?

Under laws Gov. Gavin Newsom signed in 2023, fast food workers earn a minimum wage wage of $20 an hour and health care workers are on track to make $25 an hour. That momentum extended to Los Angeles hotel and airport employees.

Can I afford $1000 rent making $20 an hour?

*“If you're earning $20 an hour, you might be wondering — can I really afford $1,000 rent? 🤔 You're bringing in about $3,200 before taxes, and experts suggest keeping rent near 30% of your income — that's roughly $960. So yes, $1,000 rent is doable… but it's tight with other bills.

Can a family survive on $70,000 per year?

Yes, supporting a family on $70k a year is possible, but it's challenging and heavily depends on your location, family size (especially childcare needs), and spending habits, requiring careful budgeting as it's often below the required living wage in high-cost areas like LA or NYC but potentially manageable in lower-cost regions or rural areas. You'll likely need to prioritize needs, minimize luxuries, and find affordable housing to make it work, as high costs like rent, healthcare, and childcare can quickly consume that income. 

Can I survive with $1000 a month in the USA?

Surviving on $1,000 a month requires careful budgeting, prioritizing essential expenses, and finding ways to save money. Cutting down on housing costs by sharing living spaces or finding affordable options is crucial. Utilizing public transportation or opting for a bike can help save on transportation expenses.

Is $40,000 a year considered poor?

A $40,000 salary is classified as lower-middle class, which is defined as households that earn between $30,001 and $58,020 a year.

What is the #1 best state to live in?

There's no single "best" state, as it depends on priorities, but recent studies from WalletHub (Aug 2025) and U.S. News (May 2025) frequently place Massachusetts, Idaho, New Jersey, and Utah at the top for overall quality of life, balancing strong economies, good education, healthcare, and low crime. Massachusetts excels in education/healthcare, while Idaho and Utah are praised for economic growth and stability, and New Hampshire for safety. 

What 5 states have no minimum wage?

At present, 34 states, territories, and districts have set minimum wages higher than the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour. Five states, including Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee, have not implemented a state minimum wage.

Is $25 an hour good in California?

$25 an hour in California is livable for a single person in most areas, but tight in high-cost cities like LA or SF, requiring roommates or strict budgeting, while offering more comfort in inland/central valley areas. It's above minimum wage but below the state's median income, with take-home pay around $3,300-$3,400/month after taxes; affordability hinges on location, housing costs, and lifestyle, notes Dimov Tax. 

Who is exempt from $20 minimum wage in California?

Who are exempt employees in California? In California, exempt employees earn a full-time salary of at least twice the state minimum wage and perform duties in specific categories such as executive, administrative or professional roles, according to the state's Department of Industrial Relations.