By Chris Walker, Truthout
Nearly two dozen states and several municipalities across the U.S. are set to increase their minimum wage levels for workers in the new year.
Sixty-five jurisdictions in total, including 22 states, will see minimum wage increases starting on that date. A majority of those jurisdictions will see their rates go up to or higher than $15 per hour.
Three other states, as well as 22 other localities, will also see the minimum wage go up later on in the year. Hawaii will see the largest jump in wage increases, going from $12 an hour to $14 an hour in base pay within the state. Although other measures on the minimum wage are being considered for the future — including a possible $18 per hour change in California through a ballot initiative planned for next year — Washington State will have the highest rate of pay for its lowest-paid workers, with a $17 per hour wage rate that went into effect earlier this year.
Overall, these changes in the minimum wage will raise the average minimum wage across the country up to $10.69 per hour.
