Currently, there are 10 states whose minimum wage rates are adjusted annually based on changes in inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI): Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington. The CPI, published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, measures inflation as experienced by consumers in their day-to-day living expenses and is generally the best measure for adjusting payments to consumers to allow them to purchase at today’s prices what they could purchase in an earlier period.
Recently, several states have announced minimum wage rates effective Jan. 1, 2011:
Colorado Minimum Wage Order Number 27 establishes a new proposed state minimum wage rate for employees, effective January 1, 2011. If adopted as proposed, Colorado Minimum Wage Order Number 27 (7 CCR 1103-1) would increase the state minimum wage rate from $7.24 per hour to $7.36 per hour for non-tipped employees and from $4.22 per hour to $4.34 per hour for tipped employees.
Missouri’s minimum wage remains unchanged in 2011.
Montana’s minimum wage increases to $7.35 an hour in 2011.
Ohio’s minimum wage increases to $7.40 an hour. The increased minimum wage will apply to employers who gross more than $271,000 per year. Currently, Ohio’s minimum wage applies to employers who gross over $267,000 per year.
Oregon’s minimum wage increases to $8.50 an hour. The statute detailing the adjustment is ORS 653.025.
