In the United States, the minimum wage will increase in a total of 15 cities and counties. The increase is due to both state reforms and automatic adjustments linked to inflation. According to the Economic Policy Institute, these changes will benefit more than 800,000 workers, 58% of whom are women, who have historically suffered from low wages. Starting this month, three states (Alaska, Oregon, and the District of Columbia) and 12 cities and counties in California, Illinois, and Maryland will adjust their base wages. These increases are driven by mechanisms such as inflation adjustments, legislative measures, and local votes.
In Alaska, for example, 19,400 employees will earn an average of $925 more per year, while in D.C., the increase is 45 cents, directly impacting 62,200 workers. In California, cities like Berkeley are earning nearly $20 an hour, reflecting local policies to address the high cost of living.
This is where and how it will raise
Alaska: Increases by $1.09, reaching $13.00/hour.
Washington, D.C.: Increases by 45 cents, reaching $17.95/hour.
Oregon: Increases by 35 cents, setting the minimum wage at $15.05/hour.
Alameda, California: Increases by 46 cents, to $17.46/hour.
Berkeley, California: Increases by 51 cents, to $19.18/hour.
Emeryville, California: Increases by 54 cents, to $19.90/hour.
Fremont, California: Increases by 45 cents, to $17.75/hour.
Los Angeles, California: Increases by 59 cents, to $17.87/hour.
Los Angeles County, California: Increases by 54 cents, to $17.81/hour.
Milpitas, California: Increases 50 cents to $18.20/hour.
Pasadena, California: Increases 54 cents to $18.04/hour.
San Francisco, California: Increases 51 cents to $19.18/hour.
Santa Monica, California: Increases 54 cents to $17.81/hour.
Chicago, Illinois: Increases 40 cents to $16.60/hour.
Montgomery County, Maryland: Increases 50 cents to $17.65/hour.
The minimum wage stipulated by the federal government sets the standard for companies to comply with
In Alaska, for example, 19,400 employees will earn an average of $925 more per year, while in D.C., the increase is 45 cents, directly impacting 62,200 workers. In California, cities like Berkeley are earning nearly $20 an hour, reflecting local policies to address the high cost of living. It’s worth noting that the remaining federal wage remains at $7.25, unchanged since 2009. Many states and cities have set higher rates to adjust for cost of living, inflation, and social pressures. The minimum wage stipulated by the federal government sets the standard for companies to comply with. This amount also varies by state, as state and even municipal governments can alter this value.
Companies will ensure compliance with the law and maintain competitiveness
The gradual increase that will occur in Florida seeks to improve working conditions and the purchasing power of workers in that state. Therefore, it is essential that employers plan for these increases in their budgets and salary structures. This way, companies will ensure compliance with the law and maintain competitiveness in the labor market.
On the other hand, there are also efforts to push for change at the national level. This month, Republican Senator Josh Hawley proposed raising the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour, with the support of Democrat Peter Welch. However, the proposal has yet to be passed.
Although the federal minimum wage has remained at $7.25 per hour since 2009, many states and cities have set higher rates to adjust for cost of living, inflation, and social pressures.
The minimum wage stipulated by the federal government sets the standard for companies to comply with. This amount also varies by state, as state and even municipal governments can alter this value.
