50-State Wage & Salary Guide – 2026
Quick Filter:
| State | Min. Wage | State Tax | Cost Index | Avg. Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama (AL) | $7.25 | Graduated | 90.5 | $850 |
| Alaska (AK) | $11.91 | None | 126.8 | $1400 |
| Arizona (AZ) | $14.7 | 2% flat | 103.2 | $1250 |
| Arkansas (AR) | $11.0 | Graduated | 88.7 | $780 |
| California (CA) | $16.5 | Graduated | 142.6 | $2100 |
| Colorado (CO) | $14.81 | 4% flat | 106.8 | $1450 |
| Connecticut (CT) | $16.35 | Graduated | 122.1 | $1650 |
| Delaware (DE) | $15.0 | Graduated | 105.3 | $1200 |
| Florida (FL) | $13.0 | None | 104.7 | $1350 |
| Georgia (GA) | $7.25 | 5% flat | 95.8 | $1150 |
| Hawaii (HI) | $14.0 | Graduated | 172.4 | $1950 |
| Idaho (ID) | $7.25 | 5% flat | 94.2 | $950 |
| Illinois (IL) | $15.0 | 4% flat | 97.6 | $1200 |
| Indiana (IN) | $7.25 | 3% flat | 91.3 | $850 |
| Iowa (IA) | $7.25 | Graduated | 91.8 | $820 |
| Kansas (KS) | $7.25 | Graduated | 90.1 | $800 |
| Kentucky (KY) | $7.25 | 4% flat | 89.5 | $780 |
| Louisiana (LA) | $7.25 | Graduated | 93.2 | $850 |
| Maine (ME) | $15.0 | Graduated | 112.4 | $1100 |
| Maryland (MD) | $15.0 | Graduated | 124.4 | $1750 |
| Massachusetts (MA) | $15.0 | 5% flat | 135.2 | $1950 |
| Michigan (MI) | $10.33 | 4% flat | 92.4 | $950 |
| Minnesota (MN) | $11.13 | Graduated | 100.8 | $1150 |
| Mississippi (MS) | $7.25 | Graduated | 84.5 | $700 |
| Missouri (MO) | $12.3 | Graduated | 90.8 | $850 |
| Montana (MT) | $10.3 | Graduated | 100.2 | $950 |
| Nebraska (NE) | $7.25 | Graduated | 92.6 | $820 |
| Nevada (NV) | $12.0 | None | 108.5 | $1400 |
| New Hampshire (NH) | $7.25 | None | 118.6 | $1450 |
| New Jersey (NJ) | $15.49 | Graduated | 125.8 | $1800 |
| New Mexico (NM) | $12.0 | Graduated | 93.8 | $780 |
| New York (NY) | $16.5 | Graduated | 139.4 | $2050 |
| North Carolina (NC) | $7.25 | 4% flat | 95.4 | $1000 |
| North Dakota (ND) | $7.25 | Graduated | 95.2 | $820 |
| Ohio (OH) | $10.7 | Graduated | 93.4 | $880 |
| Oklahoma (OK) | $7.25 | Graduated | 87.9 | $750 |
| Oregon (OR) | $15.45 | Graduated | 118.6 | $1550 |
| Pennsylvania (PA) | $7.25 | 3% flat | 100.5 | $1150 |
| Rhode Island (RI) | $14.0 | Graduated | 120.5 | $1550 |
| South Carolina (SC) | $7.25 | Graduated | 91.2 | $820 |
| South Dakota (SD) | $11.2 | None | 94.8 | $770 |
| Tennessee (TN) | $7.25 | None | 95.6 | $950 |
| Texas (TX) | $7.25 | None | 101.4 | $1250 |
| Utah (UT) | $7.25 | 4% flat | 99.8 | $1050 |
| Vermont (VT) | $13.67 | Graduated | 118.8 | $1100 |
| Virginia (VA) | $12.0 | Graduated | 108.2 | $1350 |
| Washington (WA) | $16.66 | None | 118.4 | $1750 |
| West Virginia (WV) | $8.75 | Graduated | 87.2 | $700 |
| Wisconsin (WI) | $7.25 | Graduated | 95.8 | $880 |
| Wyoming (WY) | $7.25 | None | 93.6 | $720 |
Best States for Take-Home Pay in 2026
The following states offer the highest take-home pay for middle-income earners (after federal tax, state tax, and cost of living adjustment):
- Texas, Florida, Nevada, Tennessee, Washington – No state income tax + strong job markets
- Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Utah – Low flat state income tax rates
- Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, West Virginia – Very low cost of living (offset lower wages)
Why State Wage Laws Matter
State wage laws affect much more than just the minimum wage. They also determine overtime eligibility, tip credit rules, paid sick leave requirements, and — most importantly for your paycheck — state income tax rates. A higher nominal salary in a high-tax, high-cost state may result in lower actual take-home pay than a lower salary in a no-tax, low-cost state.