January 2026 saw millions of American workers start the year with higher wages
January 2026 quietly reshaped America’s wage landscape as nineteen states raised minimum pay, lifting earnings for over eight million workers. With most US employees now living in $15-an-hour states, the long-stagnant federal floor of $7.25 looks increasingly obsolete. State action and corporate wage hikes reveal a labour market moving ahead without Washington.
January 2026 quietly reshaped America’s wage landscape as nineteen states raised minimum pay, lifting earnings for over eight million workers. With most US employees now living in $15-an-hour states, the long-stagnant federal floor of $7.25 looks increasingly obsolete. State action and corporate wage hikes reveal a labour market moving ahead without Washington.
