USA: Multi-State Minimum Wage Increases Scheduled for 1 July 2026

Several US states (OR, DC, MD, NV, CT) and major cities have CPI-indexed minimum wage increases pre-scheduled to take effect on 1 July 2026, falling within the lookahead window. Exact 2026 indexed amounts are typically gazetted by state labour departments in April–May, ahead of the July effective date.

Effective Date

• 1 July 2026

Key Points

• States with confirmed 1 July 2026 indexed increases: Oregon, Washington DC, Maryland (small employers), Nevada, Connecticut.
• Major cities with mid-year adjustments: Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Berkeley, Emeryville.
• Federal minimum wage remains USD 7.25 – unchanged since 2009.
• Tipped-wage and youth-wage tiers in OR, DC, NV adjust independently from standard rate.
• City rates frequently exceed state rates – apply the higher of city/state/federal.

Payroll action

• Identify employees in OR, DC, MD, NV, CT and major mid-year-adjustment cities – request the 2026 indexed rates from each state labour department in May.
• Update payroll system minimum wage tables for 1 July 2026 effective date – do not wait until June.
• Verify tipped-wage and youth-wage tiers if applicable – these adjust separately in OR, DC, NV.
• Cross-check city ordinances (Chicago Office of Labor Standards, LA Office of Wage Standards, SF OLSE) – city rates often exceed state rates.
• Update wage notice posters in states that require posted wage information (CA, NY, MA, others).

U.S. Department of Labor