January 2026 Saw Millions of American Workers Start the Year with Higher Wages
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In January 2026, over eight million American workers experienced wage increases as 19 states implemented higher minimum wages. Notably, Washington became the first state to set a minimum wage above $17 per hour, while Hawaii raised its rate from $14 to $16 per hour. These adjustments reflect efforts to address the rising cost of living and inflation, which stood at 2.7% as of November 2025. For the first time, a majority of U.S. workers now reside in states where the minimum wage is $15 or higher, marking a significant shift in the nation's wage landscape.
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Key Entities
- • - Washington State - First state to set a minimum wage above $17 per hour.
- • - Hawaii - Increased minimum wage from $14 to $16 per hour.
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