What State Has The Highest Minimum Wage – U.S. Department of Labor Data

So what state has the highest minimum wage? Based on data from the U.S. Department of Labor, 24/7 Wall St. identified the states with the highest minimum wages.

Below are the eight states with a minimum wage above $8 per hour.

1. Washington
Minimum wage $9.19
Poverty rate: 13.5% (19th lowest)
Union participation: 18.5% (4th highest)
Cost of living: 15th highest

2. Oregon
Minimum wage: $8.95
Poverty rate: 17.2% (15th highest)
Union participation: 15.8% (9th highest)
Cost of living: 13th highest

3. Vermont
Minimum wage: $8.60
Poverty rate: 11.8% (10th lowest)
Union participation: 10.7% (21st highest)
Cost of living: 9th highest

4. Connecticut
Minimum wage: $8.25 (tied for 4th highest)
Poverty rate: 10.7% (4th lowest)
Union participation: 14.0% (14th highest)
Cost of living: 4th highest

5. Illinois
Minimum wage: $8.25 (tied for 4th highest)
Poverty rate: 14.7% (24th lowest)
Union participation: 14.6% (11th highest)
Cost of living: 21st lowest

6. Nevada
Minimum wage: $8.25 (tied for 4th highest)
Poverty rate: 16.4% (19th highest)
Union participation: 14.8% (10th highest)
Cost of living: 24th lowest

7. California
Minimum wage: $8.00 (tied for 7th highest)
Poverty rate: 17.0% (18th highest)
Union participation: 17.2% (6th highest)
Cost of living: 6th highest

8. Massachusetts
Minimum wage: $8.00 (tied for 7th highest)
Poverty rate: 11.9% (11th lowest)
Union participation: 14.3% (12th highest)
Cost of living: 8th highest