INDIANA — While a new year typically brings change, Indiana’s lowest-paid workers are waking up to a familiar reality in 2026. For the 16th consecutive year, the state’s minimum wage remains locked at $7.25 per hour, matching a federal floor that has not moved since July 2009.
Despite several legislative attempts over the years to modernize the rate, there are no plans for an increase in the Hoosier State this year. This stands in stark contrast to 19 other states that implemented pay raises on January 1, 2026.
Indiana’s “stagnant” status is increasingly highlighted by the actions of its neighbors. As of the start of the year, several nearby states have significantly higher wage floors:…