"22 States Boost Minimum Wage in 2024, Leaving Pennsylvania and Idaho Behind"

In January 2024, twenty-two states and numerous cities and counties raised their minimum wages, impacting approximately 9.9 million workers, with women and minority groups benefiting the most. Despite the fact that only about 6 percent of the U.S. labor force is directly affected, the increases help establish a wage floor, especially important as the country deals with high living costs. The average hourly wage in the U.S. was $34.10 as of November, but the federal minimum wage remains at $7.25, which is still used by about 20 states. Washington state now has the highest state minimum wage at $16.28 per hour, while Tukwila, Washington, boasts the highest municipal rate at $20.29 per hour. The wage hikes come amidst a backdrop of a competitive job market, recent labor strikes, and ongoing debates about the impact of wage increases on poverty and employment.