The latest articles on DEV Community by Tajul Islam (@paydecode). https://dev.to/paydecode https://media2.dev.to/dynamic/image/width=90,height=90,fit=cover,gravity=auto,format=auto/https:%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Fuser%2Fprofile_image%2F4178063%2Fa55e549f-52c9-49da-9c69-405764baad57.png https://dev.to/paydecode en Tajul Islam Wed, 14 Oct 2026 08:30:31 +0000 https://dev.to/paydecode/i-built-a-free-2026-us-minimum-wage-dataset-all-50-states-44ja https://dev.to/paydecode/i-built-a-free-2026-us-minimum-wage-dataset-all-50-states-44ja <p>I spent the last few weeks putting together a free, open dataset of 2026 minimum wage rates for all 50 US states, and I wanted to share how it came about and what is inside it.</p> <h2> Why I built it </h2> <p>Minimum wage changes every year, and a lot of states have their own rates that are higher than the federal floor. But finding a single, clean list of current rates is harder than it should be. I wanted to build something simple that helps workers quickly check what the minimum wage is in their state, and helps anyone doing research have a clean dataset to start from. It lives as part of PayDecode, my project around making pay and compensation information easier to understand.</p> <h2> How the data was collected </h2> <p>I went through state labor department and official state government sources for each of the 50 states, one by one. For each state I recorded the 2026 hourly minimum wage and the date it takes effect. Where a state uses the federal minimum, that is reflected too. I focused on official sources only, so the numbers match what the states themselves publish.</p> <h2> What's in the dataset </h2> <p>The dataset covers all 50 states with:</p> <ul> <li>State names</li> <li>2026 hourly minimum wage rates</li> <li>Effective dates for each rate</li> <li>Notes where special cases apply (for example, states tied to the federal rate)</li> </ul> <p>Everything is organized as a simple reference table so you can scan or search it easily.</p> <h2> Where to find it </h2> <p>The full guide and dataset live on the PayDecode site:</p> <ul> <li>Full guide: <a href="https://paydecode.com/minimum-wage/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://paydecode.com/minimum-wage/</a> </li> <li>PayDecode home: <a href="https://paydecode.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://paydecode.com/</a> </li> </ul> <p>It is free to use. If you spot something that needs updating or want to suggest an improvement, let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading.</p> career Tajul Islam Tue, 13 Oct 2026 05:19:24 +0000 https://dev.to/paydecode/free-us-payroll-calculators-for-2026-2kcj https://dev.to/paydecode/free-us-payroll-calculators-for-2026-2kcj <p>Free US payroll calculators: paycheck, salary-to-hourly, overtime, plus 2026 minimum wage guide for all 50 states.</p> <p>I keep a small set of free calculators for common US payroll questions — estimating take-home pay from a salary or hourly rate, converting salary to an hourly rate, and figuring overtime pay.</p> <p>There is also a 2026 minimum wage guide covering all 50 states, with current rates and scheduled changes, so you can check the minimum wage where you live or hire.</p> <ul> <li>Free payroll calculators: <a href="https://paydecode.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">PayDecode</a> </li> <li>2026 minimum wage guide: <a href="https://paydecode.com/minimum-wage/" rel="noopener noreferrer">paydecode.com/minimum-wage/</a> </li> </ul> Tajul Islam Mon, 12 Oct 2026 01:46:07 +0000 https://dev.to/paydecode/us-minimum-wage-2026-what-changed-in-all-50-states-4l49 https://dev.to/paydecode/us-minimum-wage-2026-what-changed-in-all-50-states-4l49 <p>With 2026 underway, minimum wage laws have changed across many U.S. states — and if you are an hourly worker, contractor, or small business owner, knowing the exact rate for your state matters for every paycheck.</p> <p><strong>The federal floor hasn't moved.</strong> The federal minimum wage is still $7.25/hour, unchanged since 2009. But many states, plus cities and counties, set higher rates — some adjust automatically for inflation every January 1.</p> <p><strong>Why state rates keep changing.</strong> Many states index their minimum wage to the Consumer Price Index, while others phase in increases through scheduled legislation. Every January brings a new round of adjustments, and tipped-worker minimums vary even more by state.</p> <p><strong>How to check your rate (and your pay).</strong> The minimum wage only tells you the floor. Your actual take-home pay depends on hours worked, overtime, state taxes, and deductions. That's why I built <a href="https://paydecode.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">PayDecode</a> — a set of free U.S. payroll calculators that convert salary to hourly, estimate paychecks after deductions, and cover overtime and minimum wage tools for all 50 states.</p> <p>A quick 2026 checklist:</p> <ol> <li>Look up your state's current minimum wage — the free 2026 minimum wage guide on <a href="https://paydecode.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">PayDecode</a> covers all 50 states.</li> <li>Convert your annual salary to an hourly rate so you can compare job offers fairly.</li> <li>Verify overtime: in most states, hours over 40 per week must be paid at 1.5 times your regular rate.</li> <li>Estimate your take-home pay before you sign an offer letter.</li> </ol> <p>Knowing the numbers puts you in a stronger position to negotiate — and to spot payroll errors early.</p> career