Minimum wage increases each year as a result of federal or state laws. Currently, the federal minimum wage is staying at $7.25, $10 less than the current minimum wage in Lake Stevens.
More specifically in Washington, Seattle’s minimum wage increased to $21.30 which is a significant increase from the state’s minimum wage by $4. As well as minimum wage increases ranging from $20 to $22 in Tukwila, Burien, Renton, Everett and SeaTac.
Ultimately, minimum wage will continue to rise in the course of time due to inflation and the rising cost of living. Students are more motivated to pursue jobs as hourly pay is higher along with not being able to buy the things that they enjoy because of prices going up.
“Well, if I make more money, then I am gonna be more willing to indulge in things I enjoy. But that means if the minimum wage goes up, so will the price too,” senior Britt Lanahan said.
As the minimum wage increases, so do the goods and services. Students are worried about products being too expensive for them to buy. This especially affects students who are unemployed and rely on allowance from family members, leaving them with an increased need for money to cover goods and services.
“I think it’s stupid prices are going up when I don’t have a job to compete with price increases,” senior Taylor Harley said.
Moreover, students may be more willing to seek a job since hourly pay has risen. Students were not willing to acquire a job since pay wasn’t high enough, jobs weren’t accepting anyone or simply because they were too lazy.
“I would be more motivated to find a job since I will earn more money for my time working,” junior Hayden Love said.
This year, 19 states increased their minimum wage. Later into 2026, a handful of states will increase their minimum wage as well.
The most noticeable states that increased their minimum wage are Washington D.C., Washington, New York, California, Arizona, Colorado and New Jersey. This increase can be due to inflation, living adjustments or voter approved initiatives. Washington’s minimum wage increased by 47¢, with the previous wage being $16.66. It’s not much of an increase, but it adds up when raises increase.
Other states that will have an increase in minimum wage on July 1, 2026 are Alaska and Oregon, with Florida also scheduled to implement a minimum wage increase on Sept. 30, 2026.
Increases in minimum wage supports families financially as well as increasing quality of life, reducing poverty and income inequality.
