<P> The average US minimum wage per capita ( 2017 ) is $8.49 based on the population size of each state and generally represents the average minimum wage experienced by a person working in one of the fifty US states . Cities , counties , districts , and territories are not included in the calculation . As of October 2016 , there have been 29 states with a minimum wage higher than the federal minimum . From 2014 to 2015 , nine states increased their minimum wage levels through automatic adjustments , while increases in 11 other states occurred through referendum or legislative action . Beginning in January 2017 , Massachusetts and Washington state have the highest minimum wages in the country , at $11.00 per hour . New York City 's minimum wage will be $15.00 per hour by the end of 2018 . </P>
<P> The average US minimum wage per capita ( 2017 ) is $8.49 based on the population size of each state and generally represents the average minimum wage experienced by a person working in one of the fifty US states . Cities , counties , districts , and territories are not included in the calculation . As of October 2016 , there have been 29 states with a minimum wage higher than the federal minimum . From 2014 to 2015 , nine states increased their minimum wage levels through automatic adjustments , while increases in 11 other states occurred through referendum or legislative action . Beginning in January 2017 , Massachusetts and Washington state have the highest minimum wages in the country , at $11.00 per hour . New York City 's minimum wage will be $15.00 per hour by the end of 2018 . </P>
what state has the highest minimum wage in the us
what state has the highest minimum wage in the us
Massachusetts Washington state
Massachusetts Washington state