What is the minimum wage in New York State?

What is the minimum wage in New York State?

Minimum wages in New York are set to increase, in phases, to $15 an hour. Rates vary by location. 

New York City (big employers)

Big employers are defined as employers of 11 or more people.

December 31, 2016: $11

December 31, 2017: $13

December 31, 2018: $15

New York City (small employers)

Small employers are defined as employers of 10 or fewer people.

December 31, 2016: $10.50

December 31, 2017: $12

December 31, 2018: $13.50

December 31, 2019: $15

Long Island and Westchester

December 31, 2016: $10

December 31, 2017: $11

December 31, 2018: $12

December 31, 2019: $13

December 31, 2020: $14

December 31, 2021: $15

Remainder of New York State

December 31, 2016: $9.70

December 31, 2017: $10.40

December 31, 2018: $11.10

December 31, 2019: $11.80

December 31, 2020: $12.50

December 31, 2021: Annual increases for the rest of the state will continue until the rate reaches $15 minimum wage (and $10 tipped wage).

Starting in 2021, you will be able to find information on wage increases from the New York Commissioner of Labor.

There are exceptions to these rates 

For example, if you get tips, your employer may be able to pay you less, as long as you make minimum wage with the tips. Also, some home care workers' base wage rates may be different from the minimum wage if they also get benefits such as health insurance.

Your rights regarding minimum wage

1. You have a right to minimum wage regardless of immigration status.

2. It is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you because you ask for minimum wage.

Check your minimum wage

On the Department of Labor website, there is a tool to help you determine the minimum cash wage to be paid to you by your employer.

How to file a complaint if you are not being paid the minimum wage

Call or visit the New York State Department of Labor
75 Varick Street
New York, NY 10013
(888) 469-7365

Questions?

Call MFY Legal Services Workplace Justice Project at (212) 417-3838, Monday and Tuesday, 2 pm – 5 pm.

You can find more free legal services near you using our Find a Laywer search.

Disclaimer: This content is offered only as a public service and does not constitute legal advice. You should contact an attorney who is knowledgeable in this area to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.