Minimum Wage in New York (NY)
The minimum wage in New York is $15.50 per hour , effective January 1, 2025. This is $8.25 (113.79%) above the federal minimum wage of $7.25. The tipped minimum wage is $10.65 per hour. Employers may pay tipped employees $10.65/hr in cash wages if tips bring total compensation to at least the minimum wage. Some cities in New York have higher local minimum wages, with New York City at $16.50/hr. New York state minimum wage outside NYC/Long Island/Westchester. NYC, Long Island, and Westchester have $16.50. Annual CPI adjustments.
Scheduled Minimum Wage Increases in New York
New York has 1 scheduled minimum wage increase coming up. Workers should be aware of these upcoming changes.
| Effective Date | New Minimum Wage | Increase from Current | Annual Full-Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | $16.00/hr | +$0.50 | $33,280 |
Minimum Wage by City in New York
Some cities in New York have enacted local minimum wage ordinances above the state rate. The table below shows minimum wages for 7 cities, sorted by rate. Workers should check whether their city has a local rate, as the highest applicable rate always applies.
| City | Minimum Wage | Annual (Full-Time) | vs. State Rate | vs. Federal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York City Local Rate | $16.50/hr | $34,320 | +$1.00 | +$9.25 |
| Long Island Local Rate | $16.50/hr | $34,320 | +$1.00 | +$9.25 |
| Westchester County Local Rate | $16.50/hr | $34,320 | +$1.00 | +$9.25 |
| Buffalo | $15.50/hr | $32,240 | Same | +$8.25 |
| Rochester | $15.50/hr | $32,240 | Same | +$8.25 |
| Syracuse | $15.50/hr | $32,240 | Same | +$8.25 |
| Albany | $15.50/hr | $32,240 | Same | +$8.25 |
How New York Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of New York with five states that have similar minimum wage rates. This comparison helps illustrate where New York stands nationally.
| State | Minimum Wage | Tipped Wage | Annual Full-Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York (NY) | $15.50/hr | $10.65/hr | $32,240 |
| New Jersey (NJ) | $15.49/hr | $5.62/hr | $32,219 |
| Delaware (DE) | $15.00/hr | $2.23/hr | $31,200 |
| Illinois (IL) | $15.00/hr | $9.00/hr | $31,200 |
| Maryland (MD) | $15.00/hr | $3.63/hr | $31,200 |
| Massachusetts (MA) | $15.00/hr | $6.75/hr | $31,200 |
Frequently Asked Questions About New York Minimum Wage
What is the minimum wage in New York in 2026?
The minimum wage in New York is $15.50 per hour as of January 1, 2025. This is $8.25 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25. A full-time worker at this rate earns approximately $32,240 per year before taxes.
What is the tipped minimum wage in New York?
The tipped minimum wage in New York is $10.65 per hour. Employers can use a tip credit of $4.85/hr, paying tipped employees a cash wage of $10.65/hr, as long as tips bring total compensation to at least $15.50/hr.
Do any cities in New York have a higher minimum wage?
Yes. 3 cities have local minimum wage above the state rate. The highest is New York City at $16.50/hr. When a city has a higher rate, employers must pay whichever rate is highest.
Is the minimum wage going up in New York?
Yes. New York has scheduled increases: $16.00/hr on January 1, 2026. These increases are already enacted and will take effect automatically.
How much does a minimum wage worker earn per year in New York?
A full-time minimum wage worker in New York (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) earns approximately $32,240 per year before taxes. In New York City, that figure rises to $34,320 per year. 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 New York, or browse all 50 states to compare minimum wages across the country. Remember: the highest applicable rate (federal, state, or local) always applies.