A new year brings updated minimum wage requirements for employers. While the federal minimum wage has remained unchanged for more than a decade, states and local jurisdictions continue to implement their own increases, often with significant variation by location.
Below are the known minimum wage changes effective January 1, 2026, including exempt salary threshold updates where applicable.
January 1, 2026 Minimum Wage Changes by State
- Arizona: $15.15
- California: $16.90
Exempt salary threshold increases to $1,352 per week - Colorado: $15.16
Exempt salary threshold increases to $1,111.23 per week - Connecticut: $16.94
- Hawaii: $16.00
- Maine: $15.10
Exempt salary threshold increases to $871.16 per week - Michigan: $13.73
- Minnesota: $11.41
- Missouri: $15.00
- Montana: $10.85
- Nebraska: $15.00
- New Jersey:
- $15.92 (employers with six or more employees)
- $15.23 (seasonal employees and employers with fewer than six employees)
- $15.92 (employers with six or more employees)
- New York: $16.00
Exempt salary threshold increases to $1,199.10 per week
- New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County: $17.00
Exempt salary threshold increases to $1,275 per week
- New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County: $17.00
- Ohio: $11.00
- Rhode Island: $16.00
- South Dakota: $11.85
- Vermont: $14.42
- Virginia: $12.77
- Washington: $17.13
Exempt salary threshold increases to $1,541.70 per week
What Employers Should Do Now
Employers should review pay rates, confirm exempt classifications, and ensure payroll systems reflect these changes. Keeping up with state and local wage laws is essential to avoiding penalties and maintaining compliance.
