As of Jan. 1, 2026, the minimum wage rate increased in 19 states, as well as 47 different cities and counties. The state-level minimum wage increases are expected to affect earnings for more than 8.3 million workers, according to an estimate from the left-leaning Economic Policy Institute.
HR Brew
January 8, 2026
Among demographic groups, the worst deterioration in the job market has been for Black workers, said Valerie Wilson, director of the Economic Policy Institute’s Program on Race, Ethnicity, and the Economy.
“[In November] the Black unemployment rate rose to 8.3%, up from 7.5% in September,” she said.
Marketplace
January 8, 2026
For the first time, more Americans will earn a minimum wage of $15 or more than will earn the federal minimum of $7.25, according to the Economic Policy Institute. The federal rate has remained unchanged since 2009, despite broad public support for an increase.
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The increases, a majority of which took effect Jan. 1, will boost the earnings of about 8.3 million workers by a total of $5 billion, according to the Economic Policy Institute.
New York Times
January 8, 2026
The Big Number
The number of states that increased their minimum wages starting this month, providing a pay bump to an estimated 8.3 million U.S. workers. For the first time, more workers now live in states that pay $15 or higher per hour than those that have kept the $7.25 minimum, according to an analysis by the Economic Policy Institute.
WSJ Careers & Leadership newsletter
January 8, 2026
As of Jan. 1, 2026, the minimum wage rate increased in 19 states, as well as 47 different cities and counties. The state-level minimum wage increases are expected to affect earnings for more than 8.3 million workers, according to an estimate from the left-leaning Economic Policy Institute.
HR Brew
January 8, 2026
Among demographic groups, the worst deterioration in the job market has been for Black workers, said Valerie Wilson, director of the Economic Policy Institute’s Program on Race, Ethnicity, and the Economy.
“[In November] the Black unemployment rate rose to 8.3%, up from 7.5% in September,” she said.
Marketplace
January 8, 2026
For the first time, more Americans will earn a minimum wage of $15 or more than will earn the federal minimum of $7.25, according to the Economic Policy Institute. The federal rate has remained unchanged since 2009, despite broad public support for an increase.
…
The increases, a majority of which took effect Jan. 1, will boost the earnings of about 8.3 million workers by a total of $5 billion, according to the Economic Policy Institute.
New York Times
January 8, 2026
Workers in New Jersey will see more money in their paychecks in 2026. Starting on Jan. 1, the minimum wage in New Jersey increased by 43 cents per hour for most employees, bringing it to $15.92. New Jersey is one of 19 states that raised the minimum wage in 2026, affecting about 8.3 million workers nationwide, according to the left-leaning Economic Policy Institute.
ROI NJ
January 6, 2026
More than 30 states and municipalities have implemented minimum wage increases above the federal pay rate, which has not budged since 2009. More than 8.3 million workers are expected to benefit, which collectively will add up to an estimated $5 billion in earnings nationwide, according to a report by the Economic Policy Institute.
MaineBiz
January 6, 2026