Proposed Minimum Wage Increase to $15 Per Hour
Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has put forth legislation that would elevate the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour starting next year, a significant bump from the current $7.25. However, in states where the minimum wage is already above $15, this change might not have as much impact.
In 2025 alone, a total of 20 states increased their minimum wage rates.
Washington State currently sits at a minimum wage of $16.66 per hour, with the District of Columbia slightly higher at $17.50.
Three states—Delaware, Illinois, and Rhode Island—reached a $15 per hour minimum wage for the first time. Additionally, on July 1st, Oregon exceeded that threshold.
States like California, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, and New York continue to offer wages over $15 per hour.
An interactive map illustrates the current state of minimum wages across the U.S., noting where increases occurred this year, and highlighting areas with stagnant rates. Florida, though, is expected to raise its minimum wage soon.
It’s also important to point out that various cities and counties within these states may have minimum wage rates that surpass the state level. Moreover, different industries may either exceed or fall short of the average wages.
Interestingly, five states—Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and South Carolina—have no state-mandated minimum wage. Meanwhile, Georgia and Wyoming have a minimum wage set at $5.15. Employers in these states are generally still subject to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Future of the Federal Minimum Wage
As of Tuesday, there’s uncertainty regarding whether the federal minimum wage will indeed rise to $15.
Hawley’s proposal includes automatic adjustments linked to inflation, and interestingly, it has garnered bipartisan support. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) has shown interest in this as well.
However, the GOP-controlled House and Senate seem to be more focused on advancing legislation that aligns with Donald Trump’s priorities.
Back in December, Trump remarked that the current minimum wage of $7.25 is “low,” but the White House has not provided any comments concerning Hawley’s proposed legislation.
