Ohio's minimum wage will increase to $11 starting Jan. 1, 2026.

The change marks a 2.8% jump from the current rate of $10.70 for non-tipped workers, according to the Ohio Department of Commerce . Wages for tipped employees will increase from $5.35 per hour to $5.50.

Ohio's minimum wage increases Jan. 1 every year based on inflation. The rate applies to businesses with annual gross receipts of more than $405,000 per year.

Employees of smaller businesses, as well as 14- and 15-year-olds, earn $7.25 per hour.

The advocacy group One Fair Wage unsuccessfully pushed for a constitutional amendment in 2024 to raise Ohio's minimum wage to $15. Organizers pledged to put the issue on the November 2025 ballot , but that never materialized.

State government reporter Haley BeMiller can be reach

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