As of January 1st 2019, 22 of the 50 states are experiencing a raise in their minimum wage. This means a higher hourly wage for employees that work in places like fast food resturants, grocery and specialty stores and other hourly paid jobs. For some people this raise in wages means that paying bills and living a little more comfortably will be possible.
The reasons for wage increases differ between each state. Some states increased to keep up with the cost of living. Others increased as apart of government policies to raise minimum wage to a certain about over the course of a few years. For example, minimum wage in New York State was $10.40 at the end of 2018. The new wage, is $11.10 effective January 1st. As apart of the government plan passed in 2016 by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, NY State minimum wage will slowly hike every year until it reaches its proposed maximum of $15 by 2021.
Here is a list of minimum wage increase by state. Take a look and see if your state will be dishing out more money.
Alaska
Current minimum wage: $9.84
2019 minimum wage: $9.89
Effective date: Jan. 1, 2019
Arizona
Current minimum wage: $10.50
2019 minimum wage: $11
Effective date: Jan. 1, 2019
Arkansas
Current minimum wage: $8.50
2019 minimum wage: $9.25
Effective date: Jan. 1, 2019
California
Current minimum wage: $11 for large employers; $10.50 for small employers
2019 minimum wage: $12 for large employers; $11 for small employers
Effective date: Jan. 1, 2019
Colorado
Current minimum wage: $10.20
2019 minimum wage: $11.10
Effective date: Jan. 1, 2019
Delaware
Current minimum wage: $8.25
2019 minimum wage: $8.75 and then another to $9.25
Effective date: First increase in January; second increase in October
District of Columbia
Current minimum wage: $13.25
2019 minimum wage: $14
Effective date: July 1, 2019
Florida
Current minimum wage: $8.25
2019 minimum wage: $8.46
Effective date: Jan. 1, 2019
Maine
Current minimum wage: $10
2019 minimum wage: $11
Effective date: Jan. 1, 2019
Massachusetts
Current minimum wage: $11
2019 minimum wage: $12
Effective date: Jan. 1, 2019
Michigan
Current minimum wage: $9.25
2019 minimum wage: $9.48
Effective date: 90 days after the Michigan legislature adjourns, approximately late March or early April
Minnesota
Current minimum wage: $9.65 for large employers; $7.87 for small employers
2019 minimum wage: $9.86 for large employers; $8.04 for small employers
Effective date: Jan. 1, 2019
Missouri
Current minimum wage: $7.85
2019 minimum wage: $8.60
Effective date: Jan. 1, 2019
Montana
Current minimum wage: $8.30
2019 minimum wage: $8.50
Effective date: Jan. 1, 2019
Nevada
Current minimum wage: $8.25 with no benefits; $7.25 with benefits
2019 minimum wage: The Nevada Labor Commissioner will determine in April whether to increase the state's minimum wage in 2019 based on a formula in the state constitution.
Effective date: July 1, 2019
New Jersey
Current minimum wage: $8.60
2019 minimum wage: $8.85
Effective date: Jan. 1, 2019
New York
Current minimum wage: $13 for large employers in New York City; $12 for small employers in New York City; $11 in Long Island and Westchester County; and $10.40 everywhere else
2019 minimum wage: $15 for large employers in New York City; $13.50 for small employers in New York City; $12 in Long Island and Westchester County; and $11.10 everywhere else
Effective date: Dec. 31, 2018
Ohio
Current minimum wage: $8.30
2019 minimum wage: $8.55
Effective date: Jan. 1, 2019
Oregon
Current minimum wage: $12 in Portland; $10.75 standard; and $10.50 in rural areas
2019 minimum wage: $12.50 in Portland; $11.25 standard; and $11 in rural areas
Effective date: July 1, 2019
Rhode Island
Current minimum wage: $10.10
2019 minimum wage: $10.50
Effective date: Jan. 1, 2019
South Dakota
Current minimum wage: $8.85
2019 minimum wage: $9.10
Effective date: Jan. 1, 2019
Vermont
Current minimum wage: $10.50
2019 minimum wage: $10.78
Effective date: Jan. 1, 2019
Washington
Current minimum wage: $11.50
2019 minimum wage: $12