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Minimum Wage Increases July: Over 20 States and Cities to Raise Rates

Workers in more than 20 cities and states will see the minimum wage increase next month as local governments continue to raise the wage floor amid federal inaction. The federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour has not increased since…

Published

2 months ago

June 24, 2026

Randy Breland, Managing Editor

Employee stocking frozen food in grocery store aisle — minimum wage increases july

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Last updated: September 2, 2026

Key points

Over 20 states and cities will raise minimum wages in July.
Florida’s minimum wage remains at the federal level of $7.25.
Local officials in Escambia County may need to address ongoing wage discussions.

NewsWK — Residents of Pensacola and Escambia County may be interested to know that more than 20 states and cities across the United States will implement minimum wage increases starting next month. This development comes as local governments seek to raise wage levels in the absence of movement on the federal minimum wage, which has remained unchanged at $7.25 per hour since 2009.

July 1 Minimum Wage Changes Across the Country

In states like Alaska and Oregon, significant increases are set to take effect on July 1. Alaska will raise its minimum wage from $13 to $14 per hour, while Oregon will see rates in some areas, such as Portland, rise to as high as $16.80.

California is also making notable changes, particularly in its healthcare sector, where many workers will see their wages increase to at least $25 per hour in large hospitals. This trend of raising the minimum wage is occurring despite ongoing debates about its potential impact on jobs and consumer prices.

Florida Minimum Wage Context and Local Outlook

According to a report by the National Employment Law Project, 88 jurisdictions are expected to raise their minimum wages by the end of the year. While voters in some conservative and liberal states have approved these increases, 20 states, including Florida, continue to adhere to the federal minimum wage of $7.25.

For local residents, these changes in other states serve as a reminder of the ongoing discussions surrounding wage levels and economic stability. Local officials and small business owners in Escambia County may need to consider how these developments influence the broader conversation about wages and employment within our community.

This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.

Based on reporting originally published by Stateline. Read the original story.