Starting July 1, hundreds of thousands of workers across Alaska, Oregon, Washington, D.C., and several cities and counties will see their paychecks grow as minimum wages rise.
This marks the latest round of state and local wage increases aimed at helping workers manage rising costs of living.
Impact Across Multiple States and Cities
According to the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), these minimum wage hikes will impact over 800,000 workers. In Alaska, Oregon, and Washington, D.C., the increase will significantly affect the income of workers, with 58% of the recipients being women, and Black and Hispanic workers disproportionately benefiting.
EPI estimates that the average annual increase for full-time, year-round workers will range from $420 in Oregon to $925 in Alaska.
Minimum Wage Increases by Region:
- Alaska: The minimum wage will increase by $1.09 to $13.00 per hour, benefiting 19,400 workers (6.3% of the workforce). The average annual pay increase will be $925.
- Washington, D.C.: The minimum wage will rise by 45 cents to $17.95 per hour, benefiting 62,200 workers (7.5% of the workforce). The average annual pay increase will be $727.
- Oregon: The minimum wage will rise by 35 cents to $15.05 per hour, impacting 801,700 workers (9.4% of the workforce). The average annual increase will be $420.
Other Cities and Counties with Minimum Wage Increases:
In addition to Alaska, Oregon, and D.C., other cities and counties across California, Illinois, and Maryland are also boosting minimum wages starting July 1:
- Alameda, CA: Increase to $17.46 (+46 cents)
- Berkeley, CA: Increase to $19.18 (+51 cents)
- Emeryville, CA: Increase to $19.90 (+54 cents)
- Fremont, CA: Increase to $17.75 (+45 cents)
- Los Angeles, CA: Increase to $17.87 (+59 cents)
- Los Angeles County, CA: Increase to $17.81 (+54 cents)
- Milpitas, CA: Increase to $18.20 (+50 cents)
- Pasadena, CA: Increase to $18.04 (+54 cents)
- San Francisco, CA: Increase to $19.18 (+51 cents)
- Santa Monica, CA: Increase to $17.81 (+54 cents)
- Chicago, IL: Increase to $16.60 (+40 cents)
- Montgomery County, MD: Increase to $17.65 (+50 cents)
Read Also: Seatbelt Enforcement Law Set to Change in Virginia on July 1
The Fight for $15
While federal minimum wage has remained stuck at $7.25 per hour since 2009, several lawmakers and activists continue pushing for higher wages at the national level.
Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) recently introduced a bill proposing to raise the national minimum wage to $15 per hour, highlighting the ongoing debate over fair wages across the country.
These increases represent a critical step toward addressing wage disparities and improving the financial stability of workers, especially in areas with higher costs of living.
What Do You Think About These Minimum Wage Increases?
How do you feel about the new minimum wage hikes being implemented across various states and cities? Do you think it’s enough to support workers in today’s economy? Let us know your thoughts by visiting ridgecrestpact.org.
