State Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49) has announced plans to introduce legislation that would gradually raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $11 per hour by 2028, marking the first proposed increase to the state’s baseline wage in nearly two decades.

Under the proposal, the wage increases would occur in three phases:

   •$9.00/hour on January 1, 2026

   •$10.00/hour on January 1, 2027

   •$11.00/hour on January 1, 2028

Laughlin called the proposal a necessary step to bring the state’s wage laws in line with regional and economic realities.

“Most employers in Pennsylvania are already paying above minimum wage because they have to in order to attract workers. It’s time the law reflects that reality,” Laughlin said.

Pennsylvania has followed the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour since 2009, placing it among the lowest in the nation. By contrast, neighboring states such as New York, New Jersey, and Maryland have enacted higher minimums in recent years.

Laughlin argued the increase would reduce dependence on public assistance, spur consumer spending, and strengthen local economies, all while minimizing pressure on small businesses through its gradual rollout.

The legislation is expected to be formally introduced in the coming weeks.