Minimum Wage by State 2027: Every Increase on January 1

Short answer: on January 1, 2027, fifteen states raise their minimum wage. The largest jumps are Michigan (+$1.27 to $15.00), Rhode Island (+$1.00 to $17.00) and Virginia (+$0.98 to $13.75). New York does not increase on January 1. The federal minimum stays at $7.25. Our calculators switch to the new rates automatically on January 1.

January 1, 2027 increases

Every rate above links to its source in the current minimum wage table. Rates confirmed directly by a state agency or statute: California, Connecticut, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota and Virginia. Rates reported from state announcements by news outlets or law firms — confirm with the agency before running January payroll: Arizona, Colorado, Maine, Nebraska and Washington.

States with special situations

• New York — no January increase. The rate stays $17.00 (NYC, Long Island, Westchester) and $16.00 (rest of state) because an inflation off-ramp was met. The Governor has proposed $17.60 / $16.55 from March 1, 2027, but only if the Legislature approves it.
• Vermont — pending. Vermont adjusts by inflation each January 1; the official 2027 rate had not been published when we checked on October 17, 2026.
• Florida — already at $15.00. The increase took effect September 30, 2026. Future increases follow inflation.
• Nebraska — smaller than voters approved. A 2025 law (LB 258) replaced inflation indexing with a fixed annual increase, giving $15.26 in 2027.
• Missouri — no increase. A 2025 law repealed annual inflation increases; the rate stays $15.00.
• Virginia — two steps. $13.75 in 2027, then $15.00 on January 1, 2028 (Va. Code §40.1-28.10).
• Hawaii — no 2027 change. $16.00 until it rises to $18.00 on January 1, 2028.
• Mid-year changes: Alaska rises to $15.00 on July 1, 2027; Oregon and the District of Columbia adjust by inflation on July 1, with amounts announced in spring.

What else changes with the minimum wage

• Exempt salary thresholds in California and Washington are tied to the state minimum wage, so they rise on January 1 too. See Exempt Salary Threshold by State 2027.
• Tipped cash wages in tip-credit states usually move with the minimum. Several states (Alaska, California, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Washington) allow no tip credit at all. Check pay with the Tip Credit Calculator.
• Salaried non-exempt pay must still average at least the minimum wage per hour worked each workweek — a common miss with the fluctuating workweek method.

January payroll checklist

• ☐ Update hourly rates for every state where you have employees, effective the first pay period that includes January 1.
• ☐ Check city and county minimums, which often change on the same day.
• ☐ Recheck exempt salaries in California and Washington.
• ☐ Replace the state minimum wage poster.
• ☐ For tipped staff, confirm the new cash wage and tip credit limits.

See all changes in one place: Wage & Hour Changes 2027.

Sources

• U.S. DOL — Minimum Wage Laws in the States (updated July 1, 2026)
• California DIR — $17.40 from January 1, 2027
• Connecticut Governor — Minimum wage increase
• Michigan LEO — Minimum wage
• Minnesota DLI — Rate adjusted for inflation, January 1, 2027
• Montana DLI — State minimum wage
• New Jersey DOL — 2027 minimum wage
• New York State — Minimum wage for 2027
• Ohio Department of Commerce — 2027 minimum wage poster
• Rhode Island General Assembly — Minimum wage legislation
• South Dakota DLR — Minimum wage
• Va. Code §40.1-28.10
• Missouri DOLIR — Minimum wage
• Oregon BOLI — Minimum wage
• Reported: Arizona (KJZZ), Colorado (ColoradoBiz), Nebraska (WOWT), Washington (Washington State Standard), Florida (Lowndes)