Most executives back higher minimum wage

With state, local and midterm elections approaching, the minimum wage remains one of the nation’s top socioeconomic and political issues. Recent national polls have shown support for minimum wage increases among voters at large, and according to a new CareerBuilder survey, most executives are right there with them.

The survey found that 62% of hiring managers and HR managers think the minimum wage in their state should be increased. The percentage falls just a tick—58%—among senior corporate leaders.

The current federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, although the rate is higher in many states and cities.

Among executives who said they supported a minimum wage increase, improving the standard of living of workers led all business-related reasons for their support. A majority said a higher minimum wage would help the economy and help them retain employees.