Minimum Wage to Annual Salary
See exactly how much you'd earn per year at federal, state, and city minimum wages — updated for 2026.
Quick Answer: Minimum Wage Annual Salary
Based on full-time work (40 hours/week × 52 weeks = 2,080 hours/year):
| Hourly Rate | Annual | Monthly | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| $7.25 | $15,080 | $1,257 | Federal minimum (since 2009) |
| $10.00 | $20,800 | $1,733 | Many southern/midwestern state floors |
| $12.00 | $24,960 | $2,080 | Florida (rising), Missouri, Illinois mid-tier |
| $15.00 | $31,200 | $2,600 | New York (most regions), New Jersey, Maryland |
| $16.00 | $33,280 | $2,773 | California statewide minimum |
| $16.66 | $34,653 | $2,888 | Washington statewide minimum (highest) |
| $20.00 | $41,600 | $3,467 | Seattle, SF, Denver city minimums approach this |
Federal Minimum Wage in 2026
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, unchanged since July 2009. A full-time worker at federal minimum earns $15,080 per year, or about $1,257 per month before taxes.
For perspective, the 2026 federal poverty guideline is roughly $15,650 for a single adult — meaning a federal minimum-wage worker is technically below the poverty line. After FICA taxes (7.65%) take-home is about $13,930/year.
30 states and DC have minimum wages above the federal floor. Many cities (Seattle, San Francisco, Denver, NYC, Chicago) set even higher local minimums.
State Minimum Wages 2026 (Highlights)
Highest state minimums: Washington ($16.66), California ($16.00), Connecticut ($15.69), Massachusetts ($15.00), New York ($15.00–$16.50 by region), New Jersey ($15.49).
City minimums going higher: Seattle and SeaTac ($20.76+), San Francisco ($19.18), Denver ($18.81), Tukwila WA ($21.10).
States still at federal floor ($7.25): Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wyoming, and others — though local rates may differ.
Is Minimum Wage a Livable Wage?
Depends entirely on location. The MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates a single adult needs $17–$25/hour for basic essentials in most U.S. counties. For families with children, the threshold doubles or triples.
At federal minimum ($7.25): not livable anywhere in the U.S. without significant assistance. At $15/hour: workable in low-cost rural areas. At $20+/hour (matching some city minimums): viable for a single adult in most cities — see Is $20/hour a good salary?
How to Earn More Than Minimum Wage
1. Get a short-term certification. CNA, forklift, ServSafe, or basic IT credentials can move you from minimum wage to $17–$22/hour in 4–12 weeks.
2. Move to a higher-minimum state or city. Same job, $7.25 vs. $20+ floor — that's $26,000+/year difference.
3. Enter skilled trades. HVAC, electrical, plumbing apprenticeships start near $15–$18 and reach $30+/hour within 2–3 years.
4. Use overtime aggressively. See how overtime affects yearly salary.
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Legal Disclaimer
This calculator is for informational and educational purposes only. The results provided should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice.
While we strive to provide accurate calculations based on federal FLSA guidelines, employment law is complex and varies by state, industry, and individual circumstances. Factors such as job classification, exemption status, collective bargaining agreements, and local regulations may affect your actual pay calculations.
We recommend consulting with:
- Your employer's HR department for specific payroll questions
- A qualified employment attorney for legal advice
- A certified public accountant (CPA) for tax-related matters
- Your state labor department for local regulations
By using this calculator, you acknowledge that the results are estimates only and may not reflect your actual earnings or legal entitlements.