Several states are increasing their minimum wages in 2016.
As a reminder, when federal and state laws are different, the employer must use the law which benefits the employee the most. In the case of pay, the employee would, therefore, be paid whichever wage is the highest.
Example: Alaska’s minimum wage is $8.75. Federal minimum wage is $7.25. To apply the law that benefits the employee the most, workers in Alaska must be paid the higher rate of $8.75 per hour.
Please note that several cities also have higher minimum wages for their residents. Please check with your local regulations to verify any differences from state or federal laws.
Below is a list of states whose minimum wages are higher than the federal standard of $7.25 per hour.
- Alaska $9.75
- Arizona $8.05
- Arkansas $8.00
- California $10.00
- Colorado $8.23 (proposed increase: $8.31)
- Connecticut $9.60
- Delaware $8.25
- District of Columbia $11.50
- Florida $8.05
- Hawaii $8.50
- Illinois $8.25
- Maine $7.50
- Maryland $8.25 (increases to $8.75 July 1)
- Massachusetts $10.00
- Michigan $8.50
- Minnesota $9.00 (increases to $9.50 August 1)
- Missouri $7.65
- Montana $8.05
- Nebraska $9.00
- Nevada $8.25
- New Jersey $8.38
- New Mexico $7.50
- New York $9.00; $9.75 for fast food workers (eff. Dec, 31, 2014)
- Ohio $8.10
- Oregon $9.25
- Rhode Island $9.60
- South Dakota $8.55
- Vermont $9.60
- Washington $9.47
- West Virginia $8.75 (eff. Dec, 31, 2015)
Of course, the usual disclaimers apply. This list is not conclusive or a guarantee of wages. In cases where federal or state laws differ from the information provided here, those laws will apply. These amounts are accurate to the best of our knowledge at press time but are subject to change at any time based on federal, state, and local laws. A complete list of the minimum wage by state can be found on the Department of Labor’s website, which is usually updated at the beginning of each year.
For questions about your state-specific laws and how they may differ from federal law, please contact Nextep’s HR Department or Payroll Department.
