Raising the lowest wages
Twenty-nine states have a minimum wage above the federal $7.25 per hour, compared with 19 states two years ago. The District is also above the federal mark. Among states, Washington's $9.47 is the highest, followed by Oregon's $9.25. Read related article.
29 states and D.C. have a minimum wage above the federal minimum of $7.25.
states have a minimum wage equal to the federal minimum.
states have a minimum wage below the federal minimum, so the federal law applies.
states have no minimum wage, effectively equivalent to the federal limit.
Minimum wage laws in major cities
Cities have begun imposing their own minimum wages, particularly on the West Coast. These wages include increases taking effect from January through the end of June.
* SeaTac is a city of 28,000 that contains Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Cities have begun imposing their own minimum wages, particularly on the West Coast. These wages include increases taking effect from January through the end of June.
* SeaTac is a city of 28,000 that contains Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
NOTE: Amount reflected is the highest minimum wage in the jurisdiction. Laws have exemptions for some workers, such as waiters, and for some businesses. SOURCES: Department of Labor, National Employment Law Project, city governments.