Top 5 U.S. Cities Leading with the Highest Minimum Wages in 2025

Labor advocacy has sparked significant minimum wage increases in key U.S. cities.

As of January 2025, the federal minimum wage remains $7.25 per hour, despite ongoing nationwide calls to raise it to $15 per hour.

Our latest findings highlight the top five U.S. cities with the highest minimum wages in 2025:

• Burien, Washington
• Tukwila, Washington
• Renton, Washington
• Seattle, Washington
• SeaTac, Washington

Essential Insights

• The minimum wage represents the lowest hourly pay an employer can legally provide.
• The federal minimum wage has been static at $7.25 for over a decade, despite efforts to raise it substantially.
• This federal rate often falls short of supporting individuals or families, especially in high-cost urban areas.
• Several cities have enacted higher minimum wages, with the highest rates concentrated in Washington state cities.
• Many states have independently adopted minimum wages exceeding the federal baseline.

The Movement Toward Higher Wages

Since its peak in 1968, the real value of the minimum wage has declined when adjusted for inflation and living costs.

Before the 2010s, few regions had minimum wages significantly above the federal minimum. This shifted as workers united to raise awareness about their financial struggles.

These campaigns gained momentum with support from prominent activists, successfully influencing local governments to implement wage increases that better support workers' livelihoods.

Important Note

Living solely on minimum wage is extremely challenging, particularly in expensive metropolitan areas, even when working full-time.

1. Burien, WA

Effective January 2025, Burien mandates a minimum wage of $21.16 per hour for large employers (500+ employees) and $20.16 for mid-sized employers (21-499 employees).

The city adjusts these rates annually to keep pace with inflation.

2. Tukwila, WA

Minimum wages in Tukwila stand at $21.10 per hour for large employers and $20.10 for mid-sized employers as of January 2025.

By July 1, 2025, mid-sized employers must match the $21.10 rate, unifying wages across employer sizes.

Large employers have over 500 employees globally, while mid-sized employers have 15-500 employees or generate over $2 million in local revenue.

Annual inflation adjustments apply.

3. Renton, WA

Renton's minimum wage rates for January 2025 are $20.90 per hour for large employers and $18.90 for mid-sized employers.

Mid-sized employers must raise wages to $19.90 by July 1, 2025.

Large employers have more than 500 employees; mid-sized have 15-500 employees.

Wages are adjusted yearly for inflation.

4. Seattle, WA

Seattle enforces a flat minimum wage of $20.76 per hour for all employers regardless of size as of January 2025.

The city pioneered the $15 minimum wage movement in June 2014, becoming the first U.S. city to implement it for all workers.

Annual inflation adjustments maintain wage relevance.

5. SeaTac, WA

SeaTac's minimum wage for hospitality and transportation workers is $20.17 per hour as of January 2025.

Employers with 15-500 employees pay $20.10 per hour.

Rates are inflation-adjusted yearly.

Several states have legislated gradual increases to reach $15 or more per hour in all cities within their borders. Some workers will see these benefits phased in over several years.

For instance, Florida voters approved incremental minimum wage hikes starting at $10 per hour in September 2021, reaching $15 per hour by September 2026. As of January 2025, Florida's minimum wage is $13 per hour.

Overall, 21 states have raised their minimum wages above the federal level as of January 2025.

States with $15 or Higher Minimum Wage

California ($16.50), Connecticut ($16.35), Delaware ($15), Illinois ($15), Maryland ($15), Massachusetts ($15), New Jersey ($15.49), New York ($15.50 and higher depending on location), Rhode Island ($15), and Washington ($16.66). Washington, D.C. leads with $17.50 per hour.

States Without Minimum Wage Laws

Five states—Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee—lack state minimum wage laws, defaulting to the federal $7.25 rate.

States with the Lowest Minimum Wages

Georgia and Wyoming have state minimum wages of $5.15, but the federal minimum wage of $7.25 applies.

Conclusion

The federal minimum wage has remained unchanged since 2009 and no longer meets the living costs for many families.

Thanks to persistent worker advocacy, numerous states and cities have adopted higher minimum wages. Although there is ongoing debate and resistance, efforts continue to push the federal minimum wage toward $15 per hour.

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