What state has the highest minimum wage?

Washington
Washington tops the list of states with the highest minimum wage while 15 states tie for last in terms of the lowest — $7.25, which is the federal minimum wage, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Will $15 minimum wage hurt small business?

A minimum wage increase to $15 per hour would significantly disrupt many small businesses, harming small employers who could see a significant increase in their labor costs and a doubling of their entry level position costs.

What is a true living wage?

The living wage in the United States is $16.54 per hour, or $68,808 per year, in 2019, before taxes for a family of four (two working adults, two children), compared to $16.14 in 2018. The minimum wage does not provide a living wage for most American families.

What is the purpose of minimum wage today?

The purpose of minimum wage laws is to prevent employers from exploiting workers. The minimum wage should provide enough income to afford a living wage, the amount needed to provide enough food, clothing, and shelter.

Is Target paying $15 an hour?

Here’s who actually pays $15 an hour. Companies including Kroger and Amazon are taking shots at rivals like Walmart over employee pay. Walmart said this week that it will raise many workers’ wages, but does not pay a $15 minimum wage. Amazon, Costco, and Target all pay workers at least $15 per hour.

Should the federal minimum wage be raised to $15 an hour?

Raising the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour would increase wages for 17 million U.S. workers, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Another 10 million additional workers earning slightly above $15 per hour would be affected.

Will raising the minimum wage lead to a jobs recession?

There could be adverse changes to the employment market. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that roughly 500,000 jobs would be lost when raising the minimum wage to only $10.10 per hour. Increasing the amount to $15 per hour could spark a jobs recession in the United States.

What state has the highest minimum wage in America?

Oregon, New York, Colorado, and Massachusetts all have a minimum wage above $11 per hour as well. Washington, D.C. has the highest minimum wage for all territories, states, and districts in the United States, reaching $14 per hour starting on July 1, 2019.

Who is most likely to benefit from minimum wage increases?

Minimum wage increases affect adults in their career-building years who are helping to support their families—with women disproportionately benefiting from a pay boost. The average age of workers who would see a pay increase under the Raise the Wage Act is 35 years old.