Starting Jan. 1, 2026, minimum wage workers in 19 states will see a pay increase. The raises affect more than 8.3 million workers, including those directly earning minimum wage and others who see a ripple effect increase further up the pay scale, according to Axios.

Amid a record low number of new laws, the tax shifts and minimum wage hike are some of the biggest policy changes to hit pocketbooks Jan. 1.

Colorado is one of 19 states set to raise its hourly minimum in 2026, with some municipalities reaching more than twice the federal minimum. Beginning Jan. 1, the statewide minimum wage will be $15.16

New Jersey is one of nearly two dozen states set to increase its minimum wage in 2026, and the only state in the Delaware Valley that will see a hike.