# Labor Rights by State

> 2026 minimum wage by state, from $7.25 to $17.13 in Washington (DC $18.40). Tipped wage, paid sick leave, overtime, breaks, right-to-work: all 50 states and DC compared.

*Interactive tool: enter your values at https://toollantern.win/labor-rights/ and results update instantly in your browser.*

## Frequently asked questions
### What is the federal minimum wage in 2026?

$7.25 an hour. It has not changed since 2009, and it applies in every state that does not set a higher rate. Right now, 30 states plus the District of Columbia set a higher minimum wage.

### Which state has the highest minimum wage in 2026?

Washington, at $17.13 an hour. The District of Columbia is higher still at $18.40 an hour, but it is not a state.

### Do all states require paid sick leave?

No. 19 states plus the District of Columbia have a statewide paid sick leave law. In the rest, paid sick time depends on your employer or on city and county rules.

### What does right-to-work mean?

In a right-to-work state, you cannot be required to join a union or pay union dues as a condition of employment, even if your workplace has a union. 26 states have right-to-work laws.

### What is the minimum wage in my state in 2026?

It depends on your state. The federal floor is $7.25 an hour, but 30 states plus the District of Columbia set a higher rate. The 2026 minimum wage ranking above lists every state's rate, and each state page has the full details on tipped wage, overtime, paid leave, and breaks.

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Interactive version: https://toollantern.win/labor-rights/