Each year, the minimum wage in the US becomes a national talking point. Typically, before the start of a new year, many people wonder whether or not the federal minimum wage will increase on a national basis.
However, something that is spoken about even more than the federal minimum wage is the minimum wage for each individual state. Is my state going to increase its minimum wage rate this year?
These questions are usually answered in January of each year, with the vast majority of states increasing or releasing a statement regarding their minimum wage situation on January 1.
Most states make their workers and business owners/employers aware of any upcoming changes that are about to go into effect the following year since the minimum wage laws are usually agreed on and signed into law at least a few months before they become effective.
This article details the top 10 states with the highest minimum wage rates in 2024. Some states that you see on the list may have certain cities or regions with either higher or lower wage laws.
Where is the Highest Minimum Wage State in the US?
The minimum wage is the lowest hourly, daily, or monthly wage that businesses may legally pay to employees or workers.
Here are the top 10 highest state minimum wage rates in the United States for 2024. The District of Columbia is not included since it is not a U.S. state.
If it were included, then the District of Columbia would have the highest state minimum wage since its minimum wage rate is $17.00 per hour (from July 2024).
The graphic below displays the top 10 states with the highest minimum wage rates in 2024.
List of Top 10 Highest Minimum Wage States in 2024 (Living Wage Included)
- Washington State – Currently sitting at $16.28 per hour, the state with the highest minimum wage in 2024 is Washington. The living wage in Washington is $19.58.
- California – A close second place goes to California, with a 2024 minimum wage of $16.00 per hour. The living wage in California is $21.24.
- Connecticut – After another increase, the Connecticut minimum wage sits at $15.69 per hour and clinched the third spot on the list. The living wage in Connecticut is $17.76.
- New Jersey – This is the second year in a row New Jersey made it into the top 5, sitting at $15.13 per hour. The living wage for New Jersey is $18.71.
- Massachusetts – Joint 5th place goes to Massachusetts, with a minimum wage of $15.00 per hour. The living wage for Massachusetts is $21.35.
- Maryland – 2024 has seen Maryland make the top 10 highest minimum wage list, debuting at joint 5th place! The minimum wage in Maryland is $15.00 per hour and the living wage is $19.61 per hour.
- New York – $15.00 per hour is the 2024 New York minimum wage. The living wage in New York is $21.35.
- Colorado – In 2024, the Colorado minimum wage sits at $14.42 per hour. The living wage for Colorado is $20.25.
- Arizona – The Arizona minimum wage increased to $14.35 per hour in 2024. Arizona’s living wage is $17.78.
- Maine – The minimum wage in Maine is $14.15 per hour, making it the 10th highest. Maine’s living wage is $16.53.
There are many variables when it comes to the minimum wage; most states generate a unique wage via the consumer price index, measuring the cost of living, house prices, and inflation, which is usually revised or at least revisited annually.
Related: Minimum Wage Rate in Every US State
The table below lists the top 10 minimum wage states from highest to lowest in 2024.
| Position | State | 2024 Minimum Wage Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Washington State | $16.28 |
| 2nd | California | $16.00 |
| 3rd | Connecticut | $15.69 |
| 4th | New Jersey | $15.13 |
| 5th | Maryland | $15.00 |
| 6th | Massachusetts | $15.00 |
| 7th | New York | $15.00 |
| 8th | Colorado | $14.42 |
| 9th | Arizona | $14.35 |
| 10th | Maine | $14.15 |
