> The federal minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 since 2009, and a handful of states are only just now breaching $15/hr. At this rate by the time a federal increase happens we'll already be another 20 years behind.

But even more localities have higher minimum wages. Because the "minimum necessary" is extremely cost-of-living specific, it's decentralized.

Despite Washington having a State minimum wage of $13.50, Seattle's minimum wage is $16.39/hr.

Despite New York having a State minimum wage of $11.80, New York City's minimum wage is $15/hr

Despite Illinois having a State minimum wage of $11, Chicago's minimum wage is $14/hr.

Despite California having a State minimum wage of $13, San Francisco and Berkeley's minimum wages are $16.07/hr. Emeryville's minimum wage is $16.84/hr. San Jose, Santa Clara, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Fremont, Belmont, Alameda, El Cerrito, Los Altos, Milpitas, Redwood City, Palo Alto, Richmond, Malibu, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Santa Rosa all have minimum wages at or higher than $15/hr.

You can view it by state and by city here -> https://www.epi.org/minimum-wage-tracker/