TRACKER
Scheduled Minimum Wage Increases (2026 to 2027)
A consolidated view of confirmed and likely minimum wage changes in the US and UK for the 18 months from April 2026. "Confirmed" means the rate has been set by statute or government announcement. "Expected" means CPI-indexed states whose rate will be calculated in autumn 2026. Verified April 2026.
US FEDERAL
Federal Minimum Wage: No Change Scheduled
The federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour has no scheduled increase as of April 2026. The Raise the Wage Act was last introduced in 2023 (targeting $17 by 2028) and did not advance in either the 118th Congress (2023-24) or the 119th Congress (2025-26). The Trump administration has not introduced a federal minimum wage proposal.
The structural obstacle remains the Senate 60-vote cloture threshold. No minimum wage increase has reached 60 Senate votes since 2007. As of April 2026, there is no credible path to a federal increase in the next 12-18 months.
Read the full history of why the federal rate has been frozen since 2009 →
US Scheduled Increases: 1 July 2026
| Jurisdiction | Current Rate | New Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington DC | $17.95 | $18.40 | Confirmed (statute) |
| Oregon (standard) | $15.45 | CPI-indexed | Expected (CPI 2026) |
| Oregon (Portland metro) | $16.45 | CPI-indexed | Expected (CPI 2026) |
| Nevada | $12.00 | TBD (CPI-indexed) | Expected (rate set Jun 2026) |
| Florida | $14.00 | $15.00 | Confirmed (Amendment 2 phase-in) |
| California (fast food, AB1228) | $20.00 | CPI-indexed | Expected (CPI adjustment) |
US Scheduled Increases: 1 January 2027
The majority of US state increases take effect on 1 January each year. The following are known scheduled increases or expected CPI adjustments:
| State | Current (2026) | Expected (2027) | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $17.13 | CPI+ | Annual CPI indexing |
| California | $16.90 | CPI+ | Annual CPI indexing |
| Connecticut | $16.94 | Statutory | Phase-in (potential final step) |
| New Jersey | $15.92 | CPI+ | Annual CPI indexing |
| Colorado | $15.16 | CPI+ | Annual CPI indexing |
| Arizona | $14.70 | CPI+ | Annual CPI indexing |
| Maine | $14.65 | CPI+ | Annual CPI indexing |
| Vermont | $14.01 | CPI+ | Annual CPI indexing |
| Missouri | $13.75 | CPI+ | Annual CPI indexing |
| Michigan | $13.73 | Phase-in | Ongoing statutory phase-in |
| Nebraska | $13.50 | Phase-in | Voter-approved phase-in |
| Illinois | $15.00 | $15.00 | Phase-in complete |
US City Scheduled Changes 2026-2027
| City | Effective Date | Expected Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle WA | 1 Jan 2027 | CPI+ | Annual CPI indexing |
| Tukwila WA | 1 Jan 2027 | CPI++ | Seattle+$1 formula plus CPI |
| Denver CO | 1 Jan 2027 | CPI+ | Annual CPI indexing |
| Minneapolis MN | 1 Jan 2027 | CPI+ | Annual adjustment |
| St. Paul MN | 1 Jan 2027 | CPI+ | Annual adjustment |
| Washington DC | 1 Jul 2027 | CPI+ from $18.40 | After Jul 2026 increase, then CPI |
| Emeryville CA | 1 Jul 2027 | CPI+ | Annual July adjustment |
| San Francisco CA | 1 Jul 2027 | CPI+ | Annual July adjustment |
| Flagstaff AZ | 1 Jan 2027 | CPI+ | Annual adjustment |
UK
UK: April 2027 Rate Will Be Confirmed in Autumn 2026
The UK minimum wage rate effective from 1 April 2027 will follow the standard LPC process: consultation throughout spring and summer 2026, LPC report published alongside the UK Autumn Budget in October 2026, government confirmation, implementation 1 April 2027.
The current government has committed to the National Living Wage reaching two-thirds of UK median hourly earnings over the parliament. Based on OBR median wage forecasts, that implies a target of approximately £13.00-13.30 by 2027/28, with the 2027 rate likely in the range of £13.00-13.30 if the commitment is maintained.
The apprentice rate and youth bands are likely to see continued uprating in excess of the adult rate as the government moves toward convergence. The 18-20 band has seen two consecutive years of above-adult increases (8.5% vs 4.1% in 2026) as part of this policy trajectory.
Legislative Changes to Watch in 2026
Michigan
One Fair Wage tipped minimum ballot initiative pending for November 2026. Would eliminate the tip credit in Michigan and raise tipped workers to the full state minimum.
New York
One Fair Wage bills active in Albany. Governor Hochul has not endorsed but not opposed. NYC tipped workers already above $13.35; impact would be largest in upstate NY.
Illinois
SB 1220 (One Fair Wage) active. Tipped rate currently $9 vs standard $15. Strong labour movement advocacy but restaurant industry opposition is well-funded.
Florida
Constitutional Amendment 2 phase-in completes at $15 in September 2026. Post-$15 indexing mechanism takes over; future increases will be CPI-adjusted.
California
Fast food minimum at $20 (AB1228). Healthcare minimum phase-in ($23-25) active. Garment industry minimum at $20. Multiple sector-specific rates making CA the most complex state for employers.
Federal (US)
No credible path to a federal increase in 2026-27. Raise the Wage Act at $17 exists as a bill but has no floor vote scheduled in the 119th Congress.