Across the United States, many states and cities have been implementing higher minimum wages to help workers earn a more livable income, even as the federal minimum wage has stayed at $7.25 per hour since 2009.
The start of 2025 saw minimum wage increases in 21 states. Notable examples include Alaska raising its minimum to $11.91 per hour, Connecticut increasing to $16.35 per hour, and Nebraska moving up to $13.50 per hour.
At the local level, cities and counties have often set even higher wage floors than their states. According to the Economic Policy Institute's research, the highest local minimum wages are concentrated in Washington state (which has a $16.66 state minimum) and California (with a $16.50 state minimum). Several localities have implemented minimum wages around or exceeding $20 per hour, with some variations based on company size:
Leading localities by minimum wage:
- Tukwila, Washington: $21.10
- Renton, Washington: $20.90
- Seattle, Washington: $20.76
- King County, Washington: $20.29
- SeaTac, Washington: $20.17
- Burien, Washington: $19.66
- West Hollywood, California: $19.65
- Emeryville, California: $19.36
- Mountain View, California: $19.20
- Sunnyvale, California: $19.00
Other cities are approaching the $20 threshold, such as Denver, Colorado at $18.81 per hour, and Flagstaff, Arizona at $17.85. The EPI reports that 67 localities have now established minimum wages higher than their respective state levels.
With many jurisdictions scheduling additional increases throughout the year, more localities are expected to reach or approach the $20 per hour mark by the end of 2025.