Minimum Wage Increases Across Northeastern States

As of January 1, 2025, several states are set to increase their minimum wage in response to inflation. Connecticut will raise its minimum wage to $16.35, the highest in New England, while New Jersey's will rise to $15.49 due to constitutional adjustments. Ohio will see a 25-cent increase to $10.70, benefiting over 112,700 workers, while New York's upstate minimum wage will increase to $15.50, with a scheduled rise to $16 in 2026. Vermont and Maine are also adjusting their minimum wages to $14.01 and $14.65, respectively. However, New Hampshire remains stagnant at the federal minimum of $7.25, and issues surrounding tipped workers persist across various states. Despite these changes, proposals for more substantial increases, such as Ohio's failed amendment for a $15 minimum wage, highlight ongoing debates about the impacts on small businesses and employment.