Although the 2012 federal minimum wage will remain unchanged at $7.25 per hour, six states have announced that their minimum wage will increase on January 1, 2012. Additionally, one state has proposed an increase, and another will announce its 2012 minimum wage either this month or in December. One state, however, announced that its minimum wage will not change in 2012.

States Increasing Minimum Wage

Arizona: The Industrial Commission announced a 30-cent per hour increase, from $7.35 to $7.65 per hour; an employer can pay a tipped employee a wage up to $3.00 per hour less than the minimum wage – $4.65 per hour.

Florida: The Department of Economic Opportunity announced a 36-cent per hour increase, from $7.31 to $7.67 per hour; tipped employees must be paid at least $4.65 per hour. The minimum wage was previously increased six cents per hour on June 1, 2011.

Montana: The Department of Labor and Industry announced a 30-cent per hour increase, from $7.35 to $7.65 per hour.

Ohio: The Department of Commerce announced a 30-cent per hour increase, from $7.40 to $7.70 per hour; the minimum wage for tipped employees increases 15 cents per hour, from $3.70 to $3.85 per hour. Additionally, employers can pay the federal minimum wage to minors ages 14 & 15-years old, and adults if the business’s gross revenue is $283,000 per year (previously $271,000).

Oregon: The Bureau of Labor & Industries announced a 30-cent per hour increase, from $8.50 to $8.80 per hour.

Washington: The Department of Labor & Industries announced a 37-cent per hour increase, from to $8.67 to $9.04 per hour.

States Proposing Minimum Wage Increase

Colorado: The Department of Labor & Employment’s proposed Minimum Wage Order No. 28 includes a 28-cent per hour increase in the minimum wage, from $7.36 to $7.64 per hour. A 28-cent per hour increase is also proposed for tipped employees, from $4.34 to $4.62 per hour.

States Where Minimum Wage Announcement Is Pending

Vermont: Although by this time last year an announcement had been made concerning the 2011 minimum wage, representatives from Vermont Department of Labor have indicated that the 2012 rate will not be announced until later this month, or possibly in December. We will report on the announcement when made.

States Where Minimum Wage Remains Unchanged

Missouri: The Missouri Department of Labor announced that the state minimum wage will remain unchanged at $7.25 per hour.