National Consumers League

Worker Rights

Worker Rights

Dozen states, cities ringing in New Year with minimum wage increases

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With the turning of the calendar to 2013, ten states and two large cities have increased their minimum wage for low-wage workers. Is your city or state one of them?

Washington continues to lead the nation with the highest state minimum wage and is the only state with a minimum wage higher than $9 an hour. As of January 1, 2013, its minimum wage is $9.19 per hour. Nine other states also increased their minimum wages at the first of the year: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont.



New Wage as of Jan. 1, 2013






















Rhode Island









As of the first of the year, San Francisco continues to lead nationwide minimum hourly wages – federal, state, county, and city; and is the first in the nation to top $10 an hour. The minimum hourly wage increased by 31 cents from $10.24 to $10.55 per hour. Albuquerque, New Mexico also increased their city minimum wage by a dollar to $8.50 an hour.

This New Year, be sure to take the time to examine your paystub and double check that you’re being paid the correct amount. Remember, the Department of Labor has tools to help you track your pay, overtime and vacation time – an app for your smartphone and a printable work hours calendar in English and Spanish.