What is the current minimum wage in New York? Will it increase in 2026?

Several states across the US will raise their minimum wage in 2026, including New York, which has already confirmed next year’s increase. The new rate will be more than twice the federal minimum of $7.25 an hour, unchanged since 2009.

Two minimum wages across the Empire State

New York is unique in having two separate minimum wage rates – one for New York City, Long Island and Westchester County, and another for the rest of the state. Workers in both zones will see an increase next year.

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

How the minimum wage will rise in 2026

The governor’s office has already confirmed the next step. In 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the minimum wage would rise automatically by 50 cents each year, starting January 1, 2026.

That means that from January 1, 2026, the minimum wage in New York City, Long Island and Westchester will climb to $17 an hour, and in the rest of the state it will reach $16 an hour – more than double the federal minimum.

Adjustments tied to inflation from 2027

Starting in 2027, the automatic 50-cent increases will end. However, that doesn’t mean wages will freeze. Instead, future adjustments will be linked to inflation, ensuring that workers don’t lose purchasing power over time.

The new calculation will rely on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) for the Northeast region. In short, if inflation rises, the minimum wage will rise with it.

How to report wage violations

Workers earning the minimum wage who haven’t seen the updated rates reflected in their paychecks – this year, in 2026, or in the years ahead – can file a wage complaint through the New York State Department of Labor’s website or by calling 833-910-4378.

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