21-Plus States That Are Raising Their Minimum Wage in 2019

The federal minimum wage hasn't changed very much or very often in recent years. Nearly a decade ago, in July of 2009, it rose from $6.55 per hour for all covered, non-exempt workers, to $7.25, where it is today -- despite many calls for increases. That level of pay translates to a pre-tax income of just $290 per week for those working 40 hours -- $15,080 for the year. (Note that for 2018, the federal poverty level was $12,140 for individuals and $16,460 for a family of two.)

It's a different story at the state level, as many states have been increasing their minimum wages far above $7.25 per hour. In 2019, 21 states and Washington, D. C., are hiking their hourly minimums, and for many that's on top of increases last year or in previous years. Interestingly, while opponents of wage increases argue that it will make it hard on businesses and jobs will suffer, there's evidence that that isn't necessarily the case. In Seattle, for example, the hourly minimum was hiked to $15 ($15.45 for large employers), and jobs have been soaring.

Here's a closer look at each locality raising its minimum hourly wage in 2019.

ALSO READ: Will a National $15 Minimum Wage Really Benefit Workers?