Effective January 1, 2014, thirteen states in the U.S. will raise their minimum wage rates.  The new minimum wage rates in those states will be as follows:

• Arizona:  $7.90 per hour.
• Colorado:  $8.00 per hour.
• Connecticut:  $8.70 per hour.
• Florida:  $7.93 per hour.
• Missouri:  $7.50 per hour.
• Montana:  $7.90 per hour.
• New Jersey:  $8.25 per hour.
• New York:  $8.00 per hour (effective December 31, 2013).
• Ohio:  $7.95 per hour.
• Oregon:  $9.10 per hour.
• Rhode Island:  $8.00 per hour.
• Vermont:  $8.73 per hour.
• Washington:  $9.32 per hour.

In addition, California will raise its minimum wage rate to $9.00 per hour effective July 1, 2014.

Takeaway:  Employers who have minimum-wage employees in any of the above-listed states will need to adjust their pay practices.  The federal minimum wage remains unchanged at $7.25 per hour.  The current minimum wage rates for Minnesota also have not changed.