As of March 2025, the federal minimum wage remains unchanged at $7.25 per hour. However, due to rising living costs and persistent activism, several U.S. cities have introduced far higher wage standards. Leading this movement are five cities in Washington State, where the local minimum wage now exceeds $20 per hour.
These changes reflect local governments’ efforts to address wage inequality and help workers meet the growing financial demands of urban life. Below, we take a detailed look at the five U.S. cities offering the highest minimum wages as of 2025.
1. Burien, Washington
Burien currently offers the highest minimum wage in the country. As of January 2025, the minimum wage is:
- $21.16 per hour for large employers (500+ employees)
- $20.16 per hour for mid-sized employers (21–499 employees)
Burien’s wage rate is adjusted annually for inflation, ensuring it keeps pace with the rising cost of living.
2. Tukwila, Washington
Tukwila follows closely with a minimum wage of:
- $21.10 per hour for large employers (500+ employees)
- $20.10 per hour for mid-sized employers (15–500 employees or $2M+ revenue)
Starting July 1, 2025, mid-size employers must match the large employer rate, creating a uniform citywide minimum wage of $21.10 per hour. Like Burien, Tukwila adjusts rates annually based on inflation.
3. Renton, Washington
Renton’s minimum wage in 2025 is:
- $20.90 per hour for large employers (500+ employees)
- $18.90 per hour for mid-sized employers (15–500 employees)
Effective July 1, 2025, mid-sized employers will be required to raise wages to $19.90 per hour. Renton also updates its wage annually based on economic indicators.
4. Seattle, Washington
Seattle continues to set the standard among large cities. In 2025:
- $20.76 per hour is the citywide minimum wage, regardless of employer size
Seattle was the first major U.S. city to adopt a $15 minimum wage back in 2014. The city’s current wage continues to rise annually based on the Consumer Price Index.
5. SeaTac, Washington
SeaTac’s unique minimum wage policy applies specifically to workers in the hospitality and transportation sectors. As of 2025:
- $20.17 per hour for workers in covered industries
- $20.10 per hour for employers with 15–500 workers
SeaTac was one of the first cities to introduce a minimum wage above $15, and it adjusts rates yearly to reflect inflation.
Why Are Washington Cities Leading the Nation?
Washington State’s minimum wage laws are among the most progressive in the country. The state mandates that all local wage increases be tied to inflation, ensuring long-term purchasing power for workers. Cities like Burien, Seattle, and Tukwila have taken further steps by passing local ordinances that go beyond state mandates.
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The Broader Push for $15 and Beyond
While the federal minimum wage has not increased since 2009, states and cities across the U.S. have taken matters into their own hands. As of March 2025:
- 21 states have minimum wages above the federal rate
- Florida is increasing its rate annually until it reaches $15/hour in September 2026
- California now sits at $16.50/hour, while Washington D.C. leads with $17.50/hour
Which States Have Reached or Surpassed $15/hour?
These states have met or exceeded the $15 benchmark:
- California: $16.50
- Connecticut: $16.35
- Delaware: $15.00
- Illinois: $15.00
- Maryland: $15.00
- Massachusetts: $15.00
- New Jersey: $15.49
- New York: $15.50+ (higher in NYC, LI, Westchester)
- Rhode Island: $15.00
- Washington: $16.66
- Washington, D.C.: $17.50
States With No Minimum Wage Laws
Five states currently do not have a state-level minimum wage law:
- Alabama
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
In these states, the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour applies.
States With the Lowest Minimum Wage
- Georgia and Wyoming still have a $5.15/hour minimum wage.
However, if an employer is covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, they must pay at least $7.25/hour.
Final Thoughts
The minimum wage landscape in the U.S. is shifting, with local governments stepping up where federal action has stalled. Cities in Washington State now lead the nation, offering wages that better align with today’s economic realities.
Whether you’re a worker or an employer, staying informed about wage policies in your area is crucial. As momentum grows nationwide for a higher federal wage, these city-level actions provide a blueprint for what’s possible.
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Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.