Minimum Wage to Rise in 22 States Next Year

Workers in 22 states and 66 cities across the United States will get a boost in pay in 2026 as minimum wage hikes take effect. The minimum wage is set to increase in 19 states and 49 cities and counties on Jan. 1, according to the National Employment Law Project (NELP), a workers’ advocacy group. Of those, 14 states and 65 cities and counties will reach or exceed a $15-an-hour minimum wage for some or all employees in 2026, including 4 states and 53 cities where the minimum will reach or exceed $17 an hour, NELP reported. In New Jersey, the minimum will reach $18.92 an hour for long-term care workers, and under $17 for other workers on Jan. 1....