21 States Tackle Low Wages: 9 Million Americans Set for a Boost in 2025
Millions of workers across 21 states are seeing bigger paychecks in 2025 as new minimum wage hikes kick in on January 1. Whether triggered by legislation or inflation-indexed laws, these adjustments are lifting over nine million low-wage earners, many of whom live below or near the poverty line. Some states, like Arizona and California, are raising their minimums by a few dozen cents, while others, including Missouri and Delaware, are going up by a whole dollar or more.
The push for a higher baseline wage has gained momentum partly because the federal minimum wage has stayed stuck at $7.25 an hour since 2009. In real terms, that figure has lost about 30% of its value due to inflation. Experts point out that although few people still earn exactly $7.25, millions are left behind as the cost of living rises faster than their pay.
Meanwhile, nearly one-third of American workers already live in states where the minimum wage has reached $15 an hour. That percentage is expected to climb even further by 2027. Still, in places like Ohio, the updated minimum lags far behind what’s needed to cover essential expenses. In Oklahoma, citizens won’t get to vote on a possible $15 wage until 2026, leaving many hoping the tide of new legislation keeps rolling in.
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