The federal minimum is $7.25, with 23 states and D.C. having set their own floors above that level, while nine states default to the federal minimum because either they lack one of their own or theirs is set below that level, according to the Urban Institute, which created the map above for its State Economic Monitor report. Minimum wages are at or above $9 an hour in Washington, Oregon and California. Fourteen states index their minimum wage to inflation — that is, it rises as costs rise.
Even without voter approval or further legislative action, the minimum wage is set to change in at least a dozen states and D.C. over the next few years. Four states will see their minimum wages rise to at least $9 an hour early next year, joining Washington, Oregon and California. By early 2016, two states — Massachusetts and California — will breach a $10-minimum-wage mark. By early 2017, Massachusetts will have an $11 minimum wage.
Here’s a look at the scheduled increases:
* Changes in New York and West Virginia go into effect on Dec. 31. All others go into effect on the first of the given month.


