New York City, December 4, 2025
New York State has announced an increase in the minimum wage, effective January 1, 2026. The minimum wage will rise to $17.00 per hour in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County, while the remainder of the state will see a minimum wage of $16.00. Additionally, industry-specific minimum wages for tipped workers and home care aides are set to increase. This adjustment aims to address rising living costs and will be further adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index starting in 2027.
New York State Announces Minimum Wage Increase for 2026
New York City, NY – Effective January 1, 2026, New York State’s minimum wage will increase to $17.00 per hour in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County, and to $16.00 per hour in the remainder of the state.
Details of the Increase
The scheduled increases are as follows:
- New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County: Minimum wage will rise from $16.50 to $17.00 per hour.
- Remainder of New York State: Minimum wage will increase from $15.50 to $16.00 per hour.
Industry-Specific Minimum Wages
In addition to the general minimum wage increase, specific hourly minimum wages for certain industries will adjust as follows:
- Tipped Hospitality Service Workers: $14.15 per hour in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County; $13.30 per hour in the remainder of the state.
- Tipped Hospitality Food Service Workers: $11.35 per hour in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County; $10.70 per hour in the remainder of the state.
- Home Care Aides: $19.65 per hour in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County; $18.65 per hour in the remainder of the state.
Minimum Salary Thresholds for Exempt Employees
The minimum salary threshold for exempt executive and administrative employees will also increase:
- New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County: $1,275 per week ($66,300 annually).
- Remainder of New York State: $1,199.10 per week ($62,353.20 annually).
Future Adjustments
Beginning in 2027, New York State’s minimum wage will be annually adjusted based on the three-year moving average of the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) for the Northeast Region. This approach aims to keep the minimum wage aligned with inflation and regional cost of living changes.
Background
The scheduled increases are part of a series of annual adjustments implemented by New York State to address rising living costs and ensure fair compensation for workers. The last increase occurred on January 1, 2025, when the minimum wage rose to $16.50 per hour in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County, and to $15.50 per hour in the remainder of the state.
Impact on Workers and Employers
The upcoming wage increases are expected to benefit a significant number of workers across the state, particularly in urban areas where living expenses are inherently higher. Employers will need to adjust their payroll systems and budgets to accommodate the new wage rates. It’s advisable for businesses to review their compensation structures and ensure compliance with the updated regulations.
Conclusion
The scheduled minimum wage increases for 2026 reflect New York State’s ongoing efforts to support workers and address economic challenges. Both employees and employers should stay informed about these changes to ensure a smooth transition and continued compliance with state labor laws.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the new minimum wage rate in New York City starting January 1, 2026?
The minimum wage in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County will increase to $17.00 per hour on January 1, 2026.
How will the minimum wage increase affect tipped workers in New York City?
Tipped hospitality service workers in New York City will see their minimum wage rise to $14.15 per hour, while tipped hospitality food service workers will have a minimum wage of $11.35 per hour starting January 1, 2026.
What is the minimum salary threshold for exempt employees in New York City as of January 1, 2026?
The minimum salary threshold for exempt executive and administrative employees in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County will be $1,275 per week ($66,300 annually) starting January 1, 2026.
How will the minimum wage be adjusted after 2026 in New York State?
Beginning in 2027, New York State’s minimum wage will be annually adjusted based on the three-year moving average of the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) for the Northeast Region.
When was the last minimum wage increase in New York State before January 1, 2026?
The last increase occurred on January 1, 2025, when the minimum wage rose to $16.50 per hour in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County, and to $15.50 per hour in the remainder of the state.
Key Features of the Minimum Wage Increase
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | January 1, 2026 |
| New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County Minimum Wage | $17.00 per hour |
| Remainder of New York State Minimum Wage | $16.00 per hour |
| Tipped Hospitality Service Workers Minimum Wage in NYC | $14.15 per hour |
| Tipped Hospitality Food Service Workers Minimum Wage in NYC | $11.35 per hour |
| Home Care Aides Minimum Wage in NYC | $19.65 per hour |
| Exempt Executive and Administrative Employees Minimum Salary Threshold in NYC | $1,275 per week ($66,300 annually) |
| Annual Adjustment Starting in 2027 | Based on three-year moving average of CPI-W for Northeast Region |
Now Happening on X
- @NYS Labor (December 2, 2025): Announces that starting January 1, 2026, New York’s minimum wage will increase by $0.50 per hour statewide, advising minimum wage earners to verify pay adjustments. View on X
- @FOMCAlerts (December 4, 2025): Reports that minimum wage will rise by 50 cents per hour across New York State on New Year’s Day, affecting employees statewide including in Rochester. View on X
- @drWilda (December 3, 2025): Discusses how minimum wage hikes, including those set for January 1, 2026 in at least 19 states, may lead to job losses especially for young people, citing evidence of negative employment impacts. View on X
- @GirlJville (December 3, 2025): Criticizes a senator’s support for minimum wage increases, noting that New York employers have faced annual hikes for the past five years, leading to higher taxes and government burdens on businesses. View on X
- @payidotemrx (November 30, 2025): Explains rising costs for businesses due to the 2026 minimum wage increase alongside annual rent hikes, utility fees, and vendor price jumps, ultimately passing expenses to end users. View on X
- @The3rdReginald (November 30, 2025): Warns that a large minimum wage increase in New York could reduce hiring, close businesses, raise prices, and accelerate automation, ultimately harming workers more than helping them. View on X
- @BskiMike22802 (November 28, 2025): Attributes high grocery prices at Wegmans in upstate New York to state policies like the recent minimum wage doubling to $16.50 in NYC and $15.50 statewide in 2025, blaming Governor Hochul. View on X
- @secretoddities (November 30, 2025): Notes the current minimum wage as of January 1, 2025, at $16.50 per hour in NYC, Long Island, and Westchester, and $15.50 elsewhere, with phased increases continuing into 2026 and beyond. View on X
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