LANSING, Mich. (Dec. 8, 2025) — Today, the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity announced that effective Jan. 1, 2026, the state’s minimum wage rate will increase from $12.48 to $13.73. This comes as a result of legislation championed by Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores) earlier this year, which accelerated the increase of the minimum wage, as well as protected and improved the tipped wage. In response to this announcement, Sen. Hertel released the following statement:
“A dollar simply does not go as far as it once used to, and as the cost of everything from gas to groceries increases, so too should workers’ paychecks. Not only are higher wages beneficial for workers, but they’re good for businesses and our economy as a whole. That’s why I fought for the acceleration of Michigan’s minimum wage — because when folks have more money in their wallet, they’re better able to support their families and participate fully in our economy.”
Senate Bill 8, the first piece of legislation to be signed into law this year, speeds up the increase of Michigan’s minimum wage, protects and improves the tipped credit, and ties future minimum and tipped wage increases to economic conditions. To learn more about how this legislation helps build a fairer economy that works for all, click here.