New York Minimum Wage to Increase on January 1

Starting January 1, New York’s minimum wage will rise by $0.50, reaching $16.50 per hour in Long Island, New York City, and Westchester County, and $15.50 in the rest of the state. This marks another step toward aligning wages with the state’s high cost of living.

The minimum wage will increase again by $0.50 in 2026 and will be tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in 2027 to account for inflation, with safeguards to freeze increases during economic downturns.

Employers must comply with minimum wage laws, maintain accurate records, and pay overtime after 40 hours. The state recovered over $63 million in stolen wages from 2022-2024.

Home health aides and tipped workers have separate rates, with home health aides earning at least $18.10 per hour and tipped workers earning $10.35 per hour plus tips, depending on location.

Despite the hike, MIT’s living wage calculator suggests that a single New Yorker needs $26.86 per hour to meet basic needs. Advocates argue further increases are necessary to address poverty and support working-class families. The wage increase aims to bolster local economies and support low-income households.

Source: Rochester First