OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) — A new national survey of U.S. economists is adding to the debate over State Question 832 as Oklahoma voters prepare to decide whether to raise the state minimum wage.
The survey, prepared by CorCom, Inc. in May 2026, asked 166 economists about the potential effects of raising the federal minimum wage to as much as $15, as much as $20 and more than $20 per hour. Most respondents identified labor economics as an area of specialty, and 82% said they had worked as economists for more than 20 years.
State Question 832 will appear on Oklahoma’s June 16 ballot. The measure would raise Oklahoma’s minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2029 and then automatically increase it each year beginning in 2030 based on CPI-W, a federal inflation index.
While the CorCom survey focused on the federal minimum wage, its findings mirror several concerns raised by Oklahoma business advocates about SQ 832, including the potential impact on small businesses, youth employment, entry-level hiring, automation and the cost of living.
According to the survey, 26% of economists said they supported raising the federal minimum wage to as much as $15 per hour, while 73% opposed it. Support fell further at higher wage levels, with 90% opposing an increase to as much as $20 per hour and 96% opposing a rate above $20 per hour.
The survey found economists were especially concerned about youth employment. At a wage of up to $15 per hour, 73% said the number of jobs held by workers age 19 or younger would decrease. At up to $20 per hour, 89% expected youth jobs to decrease. At more than $20 per hour, 95% expected fewer youth jobs.
Economists also said higher wage mandates could raise expectations for entry-level workers. At a wage of up to $15 per hour, 60% said employers would require greater skills for entry-level hiring. That share rose to 82% at up to $20 per hour and 87% at more than $20 per hour.
Small businesses were another major concern. The survey found 69% of economists said a minimum wage of up to $15 per hour would make it harder for small businesses with fewer than 50 employees to stay in business. At up to $20 per hour, 94% said small businesses would struggle more, and 98% said the same of a rate above $20 per hour.
The survey also found concern about automation. At a minimum wage of up to $15 per hour, 71% of economists said businesses would increase automation for tasks previously handled by employees. At up to $20 per hour, 91% expected automation to increase, and 97% said the same at more than $20 per hour.
Cost-of-living concerns were also reflected in the results. Fifty-nine percent of economists said a wage of up to $15 per hour would increase the cost of living for average Americans. That number rose to 80% at up to $20 per hour and 84% at more than $20 per hour.
The survey also asked economists about the best way to address income needs for poor families. Seventy-four percent said raising the minimum wage is “not at all effective,” while 84% said expanding the earned income tax credit and similar wage supplements would be effective.
The findings come as Oklahoma business groups continue to warn that SQ 832 would go beyond a wage increase by permanently tying future wage growth to a federal index. Opponents argue the structure could increase costs for small businesses, reduce entry-level opportunities and put added pressure on consumers through higher prices.
Oklahomans will vote on SQ 832 on June 16.
