Which state in the USA has the highest 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 state has the highest minimum wage?

As of early 2026, Washington state has the highest statewide minimum wage at $17.13 per hour, with Washington D.C. having the absolute highest rate overall at $17.95; other high-wage states include Connecticut ($16.94), California ($16.90), and New York (varying by region). Many states adjust their minimum wage annually for inflation, leading to these higher rates compared to the federal minimum of $7.25.
 

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.

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.

What is the lowest paid state?

The "lowest paying state" depends on the metric, but Mississippi often appears as the lowest for overall wages/income, while Georgia, Wyoming, and Oklahoma have the lowest listed minimum wages (though the $7.25 federal minimum usually applies), and Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee have no state minimum wage above federal, meaning they rely on the $7.25 federal rate.
 

U.S. Minimum Wage by State – 2025. Global Ranking

What is the Florida minimum wage right now?

Florida's minimum wage is currently $14.00 per hour, effective September 30, 2025, as part of a voter-approved plan to gradually raise it to $15.00 by September 30, 2026, with $1 annual increases occurring each September. 

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. 

Is McDonald's paying $20 an hour in California?

Yes, McDonald's workers in California generally earn at least $20 an hour due to a state law (AB 1228) that set a $20 minimum wage for large fast-food chains, effective April 1, 2024, though some locations might pay slightly more, with listings showing $20-$21.75/hour, but it's not a universal guarantee for all California workers if their specific location has exemptions like baking bread on-site. 

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.

Do Walmart employees make a living wage?

No, Walmart generally does not pay a true living wage, with studies and reports showing their average pay often falls short of covering basic living expenses, especially for families, even though wages have increased and are higher than the federal minimum. While Walmart offers competitive pay for its industry, providing roles at over $17.50/hour (as of FY2024) and higher for team leads, advocates argue this still requires public assistance (like SNAP/Medicaid) for many workers to make ends meet, highlighting the gap between Walmart's wages and the actual cost of living in most areas, according to the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) and other research. 

What is Georgia's minimum wage?

Georgia's state minimum wage is $5.15/hour, but most employers must pay the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour, as Georgia law defers to the higher federal rate under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for most businesses, making $7.25 the effective minimum wage for the vast majority of workers. 

What state has the best labor laws?

Washington, D.C., New York, and Maryland are the best states for workers. Washington, D.C., has the highest annual mean wage at $106,230, while Mississippi ranks the lowest at just $47,570 — a significant gap highlighting regional income disparities.

What is a living wage?

A living wage is simply the minimum hourly amount that a full-time worker must earn to afford basic necessities. In this case, a full-time worker is defined as someone who works at least 2,080 hours a year.

What does Chick-fil-A pay in California?

Chick Fill A Salary in California. $36.7K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers. The median wage is $45.7K / yr.

Is pizza considered fast food?

The filling often includes fish, seafood, chicken or cucumber. Pizza is a common fast food category in the United States, with nationwide chains including Papa John's, Domino's Pizza, Sbarro and Pizza Hut. It trails only the burger industry in supplying children's fast food calories.

Will Starbucks pay $20 an hour in California?

Locations that serve mostly drinks are also subject to this law so long as they meet the aforementioned criteria, meaning Starbucks locations in California are also required to pay a minimum wage of $20.

Who gets the $20 minimum wage in California?

Starting April 1, 2024, all “fast food restaurant employees” who are covered by the new law must be paid at least $20.00 per hour. Does an employer covered by the new law have to post a new minimum wage or Industrial Welfare Commissioner Order? Yes.

Can you work at 14 in CA?

Yes, 14-year-olds can work in California, but they need a work permit, must follow strict hour limits (especially on school days), and can only do specific, non-hazardous jobs, primarily in retail, food service, or family businesses, with common roles like cashier, food prep, or babysitting. You get the permit from your high school counselor, and it ensures compliance with California's protective labor laws for young workers. 

How much does Chick-fil-A pay 14 year olds?

We employ a very limited number of 14 & 15 year olds. Students seeking employment must have a work permit and be available to work a minimum of 9 hours per week. Part Time: Starting wage is $12 an hour.

How much do waitresses get paid in Florida?

Waitress pay in Florida varies greatly, but expect a base wage and tips; as of late 2025, the cash minimum for tipped workers is around $10.98/hour (with the $14 state minimum), but actual hourly earnings (base + tips) average much higher, with some reports showing ~$21/hour plus daily tips, while overall salaries can range from low hourly pay to over $100k for high earners, depending on location and establishment. 

What state has the highest minimum wage 2025?

In 2025, Washington D.C. leads with $17.95/hour, followed closely by Washington State ($16.66, rising to $17.13 in 2026) and California ($16.50), with New York also high ($16.50 in NYC/LI/Westchester, $15.50 elsewhere) and Connecticut at $16.35, with many jurisdictions seeing inflation-adjusted increases.
 

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.