New Year Ushers in Minimum Wage Hikes

Two cities and 11 states are raising their minimum wage laws on Jan. 1, 2009, with Washington topping the state list at $8.55 per hour, and the City of Santa Fe besting everyone at $9.92 an hour (San Francisco just behind that at $9.79).

The federal rate will go to $7.25 on July 24, raising many other states' rates in the process (including both Florida and Arizona, which are raising their hourly wage requirement on Jan. 1 but no to that level).

Here's a complete rundown on the Jan. 1 wage increases.

Employers, check your requirements and get the posters you need with this state-by-state labor law posting checklist.