This will be the new minimum wage in New York starting in 2026

Several states across the country will raise their minimum wages in 2026. New York is among them and already has a confirmed rate for next year, which will be more than double the federal minimum of 7.25 dollars per hour, a figure that has not changed since 2009.

New York’s situation is unique because the state has two different minimum wages: one for New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County, and another for the rest of the state. Workers in both areas will benefit from increases.

The current minimum wage in New York

As of 1 January 2025, the minimum wage in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County rose to 16.50 dollars per hour, while in the rest of the state it increased to 15.50 dollars.

How the minimum wage will rise in 2026

The amount for 2026 has already been confirmed. In 2023, the office of Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the minimum wage would automatically rise by 50 cents on 1 January 2026.

This means that on that date, the minimum wage in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County will increase to 17 dollars per hour. In the rest of the state, it will rise to 16 dollars per hour; again, more than double the federal minimum.

Increases will continue beyond 2026

From 2027 onwards, automatic 50-cent increases will end, but this does not mean wage growth will stop. Instead, future adjustments will be tied to inflation to protect workers’ purchasing power.

The annual rise from 2027 will be based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for Wage Earners and Urban Office Workers (CPI-W) in the Northeast region. In general, if inflation goes up, the minimum wage will rise with it.

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Workers who earn the minimum wage and do not see the updated amount reflected in their pay, whether this year, in 2026, or in later years, can file a wage complaint through the New York State Department of Labor website or by calling 833-910-4378.

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