Minimum Wage in Connecticut (CT)
The minimum wage in Connecticut is $16.35 per hour , effective January 1, 2026. This is $9.10 (125.52%) above the federal minimum wage of $7.25. The tipped minimum wage is $6.38 per hour. Employers may pay tipped employees $6.38/hr in cash wages if tips bring total compensation to at least the minimum wage. Connecticut indexes minimum wage to the Employment Cost Index annually starting 2024.
Minimum Wage by City in Connecticut
The table below shows the minimum wage for 4 cities in Connecticut. No cities currently have local minimum wages above the state rate of $16.35/hr.
| City | Minimum Wage | Annual (Full-Time) | vs. State Rate | vs. Federal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hartford | $16.35/hr | $34,008 | Same | +$9.10 |
| New Haven | $16.35/hr | $34,008 | Same | +$9.10 |
| Stamford | $16.35/hr | $34,008 | Same | +$9.10 |
| Bridgeport | $16.35/hr | $34,008 | Same | +$9.10 |
How Connecticut Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Connecticut with five states that have similar minimum wage rates. This comparison helps illustrate where Connecticut stands nationally.
| State | Minimum Wage | Tipped Wage | Annual Full-Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut (CT) | $16.35/hr | $6.38/hr | $34,008 |
| California (CA) | $16.50/hr | $16.50/hr | $34,320 |
| Washington (WA) | $16.66/hr | $16.66/hr | $34,653 |
| New York (NY) | $15.50/hr | $10.65/hr | $32,240 |
| New Jersey (NJ) | $15.49/hr | $5.62/hr | $32,219 |
| District of Columbia (DC) | $17.50/hr | $10.00/hr | $36,400 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut Minimum Wage
What is the minimum wage in Connecticut in 2026?
The minimum wage in Connecticut is $16.35 per hour as of January 1, 2026. This is $9.10 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25. A full-time worker at this rate earns approximately $34,008 per year before taxes.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Connecticut?
The tipped minimum wage in Connecticut is $6.38 per hour. Employers can use a tip credit of $9.97/hr, paying tipped employees a cash wage of $6.38/hr, as long as tips bring total compensation to at least $16.35/hr.
How much does a minimum wage worker earn per year in Connecticut?
A full-time minimum wage worker in Connecticut (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) earns approximately $34,008 per year before taxes. The federal minimum wage yields $15,080/year.
Find Your Exact Minimum Wage
Use our minimum wage lookup tool to find the exact rate for your specific city in Connecticut, or browse all 50 states to compare minimum wages across the country. Remember: the highest applicable rate (federal, state, or local) always applies.